NHL Playoffs First Round Preview and Odds

The exciting chase for the Stanley Cup is here! Sixteen teams are starting their playoff journey after a full 82-game regular season. This season was full of surprises, with some unexpected records being broken and underdog teams securing top spots in their conferences.

Now that the 16 playoff teams are set, let`s preview the first-round matchups and look at the betting odds for each series, as of Thursday.

Eastern Conference First Round Matchups

Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

• Money line: Capitals -330, Canadiens +260
• Spread: Capitals -1.5 (-145), Canadiens +1.5 (+125)

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season. While Alex Ovechkin`s pursuit of the all-time goals record was a major storyline, Washington also saw outstanding seasons from players like Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome. Their scoring depth helped them become one of the highest-scoring teams in the league.

The Canadiens clinched the final playoff spot late in the season. Nick Suzuki had a fantastic year offensively, but Montreal struggled defensively, allowing the most goals among all playoff teams.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators

• Money line: Maple Leafs -170, Senators +145
• Spread: Maple Leafs +1.5 (-320), Senators +1.5 (+250)

Mitch Marner was the top scorer for Toronto, surpassing 100 points, while Auston Matthews had a slightly less productive season by his standards. Toronto boasts strong offensive depth and solid goaltending from Anthony Stolarz.

Scoring has been a challenge for the Senators, who rank lower in the league in goals. Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson were their primary offensive contributors. Goalie Linus Ullmark provides reliable netminding for Ottawa.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers

• Money line: Panthers -115, Lightning -105
• Spread: Panthers +1.5 (-220), Lightning -1.5 (+180)

The two Florida rivals will clash in the first round. The defending champion Panthers hope for the return of Matthew Tkachuk from injury. Sam Reinhart has been leading Florida`s offense. Sergei Bobrovsky is a key asset in goal, after his stellar performance in last year`s playoffs.

Tampa Bay is the league`s top-scoring team and also strong defensively. Nikita Kucherov led the NHL in points. Andrei Vasilevskiy remains a top-tier goalie for the Lightning.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

• Money line: Hurricanes -245, Devils +200
• Spread: Hurricanes -1.5 (-115), Devils +1.5 (-105)

The Hurricanes are strong both offensively and defensively, despite relying on fewer high-scoring players. Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis are their offensive leaders. Goaltending is a concern as Pyotr Kochetkov has had a less effective season.

The Devils possess a strong defensive unit but have struggled to score goals. The Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke, are key offensive players, and Jesper Bratt had a career-best season. Veteran goalie Jacob Markström is New Jersey`s primary netminder.

Western Conference First Round Matchups

Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues

• Money line: Jets -180, Blues +155
• Spread: Jets -1.5 (+120), Blues +1.5 (-140)

The Jets surprised many by finishing as the top team in the NHL. Winnipeg is a well-rounded team, with excellent goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck, who is a major reason they allowed the fewest goals in the league. Kyle Connor leads their balanced offense, which ranks among the league`s best.

The Blues secured a wild card spot. They are also a balanced team, performing well both offensively and defensively. Robert Thomas is their points leader, and Jordan Kyrou leads in goals. Jordan Binnington provides experienced goaltending for St. Louis.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild

• Money line: Golden Knights -205, Wild +170
• Spread: Golden Knights -1.5 (+110), Wild +1.5 (-130)

Jack Eichel had a career year for Vegas, and Adin Hill has been solid in net. The Golden Knights have a deep and experienced roster for playoff hockey.

The Wild qualified as a wild card team after an inconsistent season. They struggle to score goals but are average defensively. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson has been playing well recently.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche

• Money line: Stars +120, Avalanche -140
• Spread: Stars +1.5 (-195), Avalanche -1.5 (+155)

This series features two familiar playoff teams. The Stars are a balanced team, performing well in both scoring and defense. Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson lead their offense, and Jake Oettinger is a consistent goalie.

The Avalanche are strong offensively and decent defensively. Nathan MacKinnon is the league`s assist leader, and Cale Makar is a top player. Mackenzie Blackwood has provided stability in goal for Colorado.

Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers

• Money line: Oilers -135, Kings +115
• Spread: Oilers +1.5 (-270), Kings -1.5 (+225)

The Kings are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL, with Darcy Kuemper playing well in goal. Their defense will be tested against Edmonton`s high-powered offense. The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are always a threat in the playoffs.