BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
No disrespect to the Preds, as their turnaround this year was really impressive, but I don't think they have a chance against Carolina.
NHL Thread Because There Isn't An NHL Thread
- Thread starter Absolut Kaz
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Hollywood
Well-Known Member
Make your bets!
The league has not yet announced an official start date for the postseason, but all signs point to the NHL playoffs commencing on Saturday, with the North Division getting underway a few days later.
NHL playoff time is one of the greatest times of the year, and with the first round just around the corner, these next few days are for watching "History Will Be Made" commercials and past playoff montages while revisiting the Stanley Cup oddsboard.
It's not just that Carolina won, it's also about how the team won, finishing top five in xGF%, CF%, and HDCF%. The Hurricanes also allowed the fewest goals in the league by a wide margin (both overall and five-on-five) while ranking second on the power play and third on the penalty kill. The only reason Carolina isn't priced among the favorites is because of the reputations of the clubs above them - we're getting a squad every bit as good as Colorado and Vegas at double the price.
The Hurricanes winning the Central Division also works in their favor, presenting a much more appealing first-round date with the Predators while Florida and Tampa beat up on one another. It also ensures Carolina will have home-ice advantage through at least the first two rounds, and likely three - a massive boost for a team that went 20-3-5 at PNC Arena this season.
Boston leads the league over that span with an outrageous 61.71 xGF% at five-on-five, while ranking second in CF% and fourth in xGF/60. It's been an impressive turnaround for the Bruins, which were among the league's worst offensive teams through the first half of the campaign. Injuries also played a big part in Boston's earlier struggles, with the club ranking top five in man-games lost among playoff teams. The Bruins were hit especially hard on the back end and in goal, with Tuukka Rask limited to just 24 games.
Hall has since filled a massive void in the squad's top six, joining what has become a dynamic second line with David Krejci and Craig Smith behind a first line that's been among the NHL's best for the past five years. The bottom six is among the league's stronger groups, while Reilly's emergence has solidified a now healthy blue line. There are few holes in this roster as Boston gears up for yet another run at the Stanley Cup.
Now I'm not particularly high on the Oilers - and those reservations will keep me off them at anything 20-1 or shorter - but it's hard to look away with such a generous price here. Edmonton will only go as far as Connor McDavid takes them, but there's no one better to hitch your wagon to than the best player on the planet who's coming off one of the most dominant seasons in sports history.
The path out of the North isn't particularly daunting, and while the Oilers are a class below the Leafs, Toronto's goaltending situation is a red flag. If Mike Smith can pick up where he left off in the regular season, finishing sixth among all goalies in GSAA and seventh in GSAx, this club can be a real problem. Edmonton is not without its flaws, but the star power up front, the NHL's top-ranked power play, and a born-again Smith between the pipes are enough reasons to buy in at this price.
Alex Moretto is theScore's supervising editor of sports betting. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.
The league has not yet announced an official start date for the postseason, but all signs point to the NHL playoffs commencing on Saturday, with the North Division getting underway a few days later.
NHL playoff time is one of the greatest times of the year, and with the first round just around the corner, these next few days are for watching "History Will Be Made" commercials and past playoff montages while revisiting the Stanley Cup oddsboard.
| TEAM | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +350 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +350 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +550 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +600 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +700 |
| Boston Bruins | +1000 |
| New York Islanders | +1000 |
| Washington Capitals | +1400 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1500 |
| Florida Panthers | +1700 |
| Minnesota Wild | +1700 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +1800 |
| St. Louis Blues | +2200 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +2200 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +2500 |
| Nashville Predators | +3200 |
Carolina Hurricanes (+700)
I've been beating this drum since before the season, and you best believe I'm not stopping now. All the Hurricanes did this year was win a gauntlet of a division, despite Teuvo Teravainen and Petr Mrazek playing for just 31 games combined. The club went 10-3-3 against the Panthers and Lightning and absolutely dominated the Predators, their first-round opponent.It's not just that Carolina won, it's also about how the team won, finishing top five in xGF%, CF%, and HDCF%. The Hurricanes also allowed the fewest goals in the league by a wide margin (both overall and five-on-five) while ranking second on the power play and third on the penalty kill. The only reason Carolina isn't priced among the favorites is because of the reputations of the clubs above them - we're getting a squad every bit as good as Colorado and Vegas at double the price.
The Hurricanes winning the Central Division also works in their favor, presenting a much more appealing first-round date with the Predators while Florida and Tampa beat up on one another. It also ensures Carolina will have home-ice advantage through at least the first two rounds, and likely three - a massive boost for a team that went 20-3-5 at PNC Arena this season.
Boston Bruins (+1000)
The Bruins lost 8-1 to the Capitals on April 11 to drop to 21-12-6, fourth in the East Division, and just four points into a playoff spot. Boston had a goal differential of plus-five. Later that night, the franchise acquired Mike Reilly and, a little over an hour later, Taylor Hall. The Bruins have gone 11-3-1 since then with a plus-28 goal differential, and they come into the playoffs as the NHL's hottest team.Boston leads the league over that span with an outrageous 61.71 xGF% at five-on-five, while ranking second in CF% and fourth in xGF/60. It's been an impressive turnaround for the Bruins, which were among the league's worst offensive teams through the first half of the campaign. Injuries also played a big part in Boston's earlier struggles, with the club ranking top five in man-games lost among playoff teams. The Bruins were hit especially hard on the back end and in goal, with Tuukka Rask limited to just 24 games.
Hall has since filled a massive void in the squad's top six, joining what has become a dynamic second line with David Krejci and Craig Smith behind a first line that's been among the NHL's best for the past five years. The bottom six is among the league's stronger groups, while Reilly's emergence has solidified a now healthy blue line. There are few holes in this roster as Boston gears up for yet another run at the Stanley Cup.
Edmonton Oilers (+2500)
If you're strictly looking for value, the Oilers being offered at 25-1 at theScore Bet fits the bill. You won't find better odds anywhere on Edmonton, which ranges between 16-1 and 20-1 elsewhere.Now I'm not particularly high on the Oilers - and those reservations will keep me off them at anything 20-1 or shorter - but it's hard to look away with such a generous price here. Edmonton will only go as far as Connor McDavid takes them, but there's no one better to hitch your wagon to than the best player on the planet who's coming off one of the most dominant seasons in sports history.
The path out of the North isn't particularly daunting, and while the Oilers are a class below the Leafs, Toronto's goaltending situation is a red flag. If Mike Smith can pick up where he left off in the regular season, finishing sixth among all goalies in GSAA and seventh in GSAx, this club can be a real problem. Edmonton is not without its flaws, but the star power up front, the NHL's top-ranked power play, and a born-again Smith between the pipes are enough reasons to buy in at this price.
Alex Moretto is theScore's supervising editor of sports betting. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
The NHL unveiled schedules for Round 1 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday.
The West Division is still not set, but the Colorado Avalanche will take top spot in the West if they beat the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. If the Avs lose (in regulation or beyond), the Vegas Golden Knights will be the division's top seed. Therefore, the West Division matchups are still contingent on Thursday's results.
All times ET.
* if necessary.
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Due to the North Division playoffs starting later than the others, each All-Canadian Round 1 matchup features a back-to-back in Games 3 and 4.
No. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 4 Montreal Canadiens
No. 2 Edmonton Oilers vs. No. 3 Winnipeg Jets
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
No. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 4 New York islanders
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 3 Boston Bruins
John Russell / National Hockey League / Getty
No. 1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 4 Nashville Predators
No. 2 Florida Panthers vs. No. 3 Tampa Bay Lighting
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
No. 1 Avalanche/Golden Knights vs. No. 4 St. Louis Blues
No. 2 Avalanche/Golden Knights vs. No. 3 Minnesota Wild
The West Division is still not set, but the Colorado Avalanche will take top spot in the West if they beat the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. If the Avs lose (in regulation or beyond), the Vegas Golden Knights will be the division's top seed. Therefore, the West Division matchups are still contingent on Thursday's results.
All times ET.
* if necessary.
North Division
Due to the North Division playoffs starting later than the others, each All-Canadian Round 1 matchup features a back-to-back in Games 3 and 4.
No. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 4 Montreal Canadiens
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maple Leafs | May 20 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 2 | Maple Leafs | May 22 | 7 p.m. |
| 3 | Canadiens | May 24 | TBD |
| 4 | Canadiens | May 25 | TBD |
| 5* | Maple Leafs | May 27 | TBD |
| 6* | Canadiens | May 29 | TBD |
| 7* | Maple Leafs | May 31 | TBD |
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oilers | May 19 | 9 p.m. |
| 2 | Oilers | May 21 | 9 p.m. |
| 3 | Jets | May 23 | TBD |
| 4 | Jets | May 24 | TBD |
| 5* | Oilers | May 26 | TBD |
| 6* | Jets | May 28 | TBD |
| 7* | Oilers | May 30 | TBD |
East Division
No. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 4 New York islanders
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penguins | May 16 | 12 p.m. |
| 2 | Penguins | May 18 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 3 | Islanders | May 20 | 7 p.m. |
| 4 | Islanders | May 22 | 3 p.m. |
| 5* | Penguins | May 24 | TBD |
| 6* | Islanders | May 26 | TBD |
| 7* | Penguins | May 28 | TBD |
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capitals | May 15 | 7:15 p.m. |
| 2 | Capitals | May 17 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 3 | Bruins | May 19 | 6:30 p.m. |
| 4 | Bruins | May 21 | 6:30 p.m. |
| 5* | Capitals | May 23 | TBD |
| 6* | Bruins | May 25 | TBD |
| 7* | Capitals | May 27 | TBD |
Central Division
No. 1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 4 Nashville Predators
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurricanes | May 17 | 8 p.m. |
| 2 | Hurricanes | May 19 | 8 p.m. |
| 3 | Predators | May 21 | 7 p.m. |
| 4 | Predators | May 23 | TBD |
| 5* | Hurricanes | May 25 | TBD |
| 6* | Predators | May 27 | TBD |
| 7* | Hurricanes | May 29 | TBD |
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panthers | May 16 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 2 | Panthers | May 18 | 8 p.m. |
| 3 | Lightning | May 20 | 6:30 p.m. |
| 4 | Lightning | May 22 | 12:30 p.m. |
| 5* | Panthers | May 24 | TBD |
| 6* | Lightning | May 26 | TBD |
| 7* | Panthers | May 28 | TBD |
West Division
No. 1 Avalanche/Golden Knights vs. No. 4 St. Louis Blues
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avs/Knights | May 17 | 10 p.m. |
| 2 | Avs/Knights | May 19 | 10:30 p.m. |
| 3 | Blues | May 21 | 9:30 p.m. |
| 4 | Blues | May 23 | TBD |
| 5* | Avs/Knights | May 25 | TBD |
| 6* | Blues | May 27 | TBD |
| 7* | Avs/Knights | May 29 | TBD |
| GAME | HOME | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avs/Knights | May 16 | 3 p.m. |
| 2 | Avs/Knights | May 18 | 10 p.m. |
| 3 | Wild | May 20 | 9:30 p.m. |
| 4 | Wild | May 22 | 8 p.m. |
| 5* | Avs/Knights | May 24 | TBD |
| 6* | Wild | May 26 | TBD |
| 7* | Avs/Knights | May 28 | TBD |
BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
Man, waiting to start the North series until the 19th and 20th is moronic. The Canucks' games are meaningless.
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
I understand they have to play the games, but squeezing the teams that actually made the playoffs by forcing them into back-to-back and a more compressed schedule than all the other playoff teams is moronic and a disadvantage.
Sebastian
It’s Wool…
Pens will be wearing their 3rd jerseys instead of the standard home. Sid is really superstitious 
Sebastian
It’s Wool…
I like the Florida Panthers over the Tampa Bay Cap Circumventers.
I don’t care who wins the Caps/Broons series. Just want them to kill each other.
I don’t care who wins the Caps/Broons series. Just want them to kill each other.
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
Pens will be wearing their 3rd jerseys instead of the standard home. Sid is really superstitious
This is a good thing as they have a winning record with those gold
unis 
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
It's also TV
rights such as NBC and NBCSN that comes into play, hence why you have so many matinee games on Saturday and Sunday but yeah I get it.
BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I love the matinee games in the playoffs, especially the first round when I want to watch as many games as possible.It's also TV
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
The NHL missed out on nearly $3.6 billion in revenue during the 2020-21 regular season due to limited attendance, according to The Athletic's Sean Shapiro.
The Athletic's estimation, confirmed by league and team executives as in "the right ballpark," was based on reductions in ticket sales and in-arena revenue streams such as concessions, parking, and merchandise.
The league welcomed just over 1 million total fans across the United States this season due to the pandemic. That's a major drop-off from the 18 million (2019-20) and 22 million (2018-19) fans who watched NHL games in person in the previous two seasons.
The seven Canadian teams haven't brought fans back yet, but all American franchises are now operating with limited capacities. The Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes allowed supporters to attend games for the entire season.
The Vegas Golden Knights lead the league in average attendance at 4,362 people across 17 home games since permitting fans to return to T-Mobile Arena.
The Athletic's estimation, confirmed by league and team executives as in "the right ballpark," was based on reductions in ticket sales and in-arena revenue streams such as concessions, parking, and merchandise.
The league welcomed just over 1 million total fans across the United States this season due to the pandemic. That's a major drop-off from the 18 million (2019-20) and 22 million (2018-19) fans who watched NHL games in person in the previous two seasons.
The seven Canadian teams haven't brought fans back yet, but all American franchises are now operating with limited capacities. The Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes allowed supporters to attend games for the entire season.
The Vegas Golden Knights lead the league in average attendance at 4,362 people across 17 home games since permitting fans to return to T-Mobile Arena.
Jonathan Y
Well-Known Member
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
I think you are probably right but maybe we can rekindle some 2017 magic because this Preds team is probably deeper than that one on paper.
When did Detroit move to the west? I was but a wee lad in the 90s. It is close for sure, and the east has definitely had the edge last few years.
BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
I think they only moved to the Eastern Conference in 2013 or so. Crazily enough Toronto was in the Western Conference for a lot of my childhood, too.
Yep, they were in the Central Division in the Western Conference with Columbus as well.
Turbo
Well-Known Member
Detroit was in the west from 1981 to 2013. Toronto was in the west from 1981 to 1998. The realignment of 2013 also moved Columbus to the east and Winnipeg to the west. The divisions make a bit more geographic sense now, the notable exception being the two Floridas in the "Atlantic" with all the north east teams. Geographically, two Metropolitan division teams should be in the North East, but the NHL likes those rivalries together - Columbus is the only one that would make sense to move, but they want to keep the NY region, the Penn region and the Florida teams together. Carolina and Washington are other candidates for the North East, but they are more south than the NY and Penn teams...