NHL Playoffs First Round: Matchups and Odds

The Stanley Cup playoffs are finally here, with 16 teams starting their journey after an 82-game regular season. This season was full of surprises, including unexpected records and underdog teams securing top seeds.

With the playoff teams set, let`s look at the first-round matchups and betting odds for each series.

Eastern Conference First Round

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 chased history, players like Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome had career-best years, contributing to Washington`s strong offense.

The Canadiens secured the last playoff spot late in the season. Nick Suzuki has been outstanding, but Montreal`s defense is among the weakest in the playoffs.

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 led Toronto in points, and Auston Matthews, despite missing games, remained a key player. Goalie Anthony Stolarz had a strong season for the Maple Leafs.

Scoring has been a challenge for the Senators, and they rely heavily on Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson for offense. Linus Ullmark is Ottawa`s goalie.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers

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

The Florida teams clash in round one. The Panthers hope for Matthew Tkachuk`s return from injury. Sam Reinhart has led Florida`s offense, and Sergei Bobrovsky had a solid season in goal.

Tampa Bay is the top-scoring team and strong defensively. Nikita Kucherov led the league in points, and Andrei Vasilevskiy had another excellent season in net.

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, led by Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov had a less consistent season.

The Devils have a strong defense but struggle to score. The Hughes brothers and Jesper Bratt lead New Jersey`s offense. Jacob Markström is their veteran goalie.

Western Conference First Round

Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues

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

The Jets surprised everyone by finishing as the top team in the NHL. Connor Hellebuyck`s goaltending is a major strength, and Kyle Connor leads their balanced offense.

The Blues made the playoffs as a wild card. Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou lead their offense, and Jordan Binnington provides playoff experience in net.

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 was solid in goal. The Golden Knights have a deep and experienced playoff roster.

The Wild qualified as a wild card after an inconsistent season. Filip Gustavsson has been playing well recently in goal.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche

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

This is a classic playoff matchup. The Stars are a well-rounded team with strong offense and defense, led by Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson. Jake Oettinger is their reliable goalie.

The Avalanche are strong offensively, with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar leading the way. Mackenzie Blackwood has stabilized their goaltending.

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 in net. They will face a tough test against Edmonton`s high-powered offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.