NHL Playoff Betting: Key Matchup Insights

There are about 15 days before the start of the annual NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year, the Hurricanes and New York Rangers have emerged as top plays in the Eastern Conference. In the Western Conference, Vancouver is surprising everybody by remaining at the top of the Pacific.

Which teams have what it takes to win their conference and lift Lord Stanley’s goblet?

When it comes down to NHL Playoffs betting, you need winning odds, analysis and free picks, s so you better read on to get that must-have insight for your next hockey bet.

2024 NHL Playoffs Betting for the Approaching Postseason: Got Your Picks? Are You Sure? | MyBookie NHL Postseason Betting Preview

2023–24 NHL Season | 107th season of the National Hockey League
2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs: April 20, 2024 – June 24, 2024

2024 NHL Playoffs Betting Predictions

Eastern Conference Winner

Top Play: Carolina Hurricanes +330

As of April 3, Carolina remains in second place, 5 points behind the Metropolitan leading New York Rangers. But the Hurricanes have a +56 goal differential.

Goal differential isn’t the only reason to like Carolina. The Canes lean on star Sebastian Aho, but they aren’t as beholden to their star as so many other teams. Aho is the leader of an attack that includes Jordan Staal, Martin Necas, and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The favorite is a solid play.

Top Pick Odds To Win +330 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Eastern Conference Winner Lines

Second Pick: New York Rangers +400

The second choice isn’t too bad, either. The Rangers have the offense and defense to get it done. The only knock is that NYR appears to be a one man show as Artemi Panarin has 110 points.

In comparison, Aho for Carolina leads the Hurricanes with 85. If Panarin suffers an injury or in somewhat can’t play as many minutes as the Rangers’ require, the march to the Stanley Cup will be close to nonexistent.

New York Rangers
Second Conference Pick: Rangers +400 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Eastern Conference Winner Lines

Best Underdog Play: Tampa Bay Lightning +1200

The Lightning have turned it on.

Give Tampa a big shot to outplay their odds. Don’t forget that few franchises boast as much NHL postseason experience as the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning
Underdog Conference Pick: Lightning +1200 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Eastern Conference Winner Lines

Western Conference Winner

Top Play: Vancouver Canucks +700

Analysts have written off the Canucks all season long. Heading into the final regular season stretch, Vancouver continues to lead the Pacific over defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas and one of the favorites to win the Cup, the Edmonton Oilers.

The Canucks are the most cohesive squad in hockey. JT Miller leads the Canucks in points, Brock Boeser is Vancouver’s top goal scorer, and defenseman Quinn Hughes leads in assists. Vancouver is legit.

Vancouver Canucks
Top Conference Pick: Canucks +700 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Western Conference Winner Lines

Second Pick: Vegas Golden Knights +550

Last year’s Stanley Cup champs are gearing up for a deep repeat run. The Golden Knights will be ultra dangerous in the postseason.

Like Tampa, Vegas is on fire, going 9-3 in their last 12. The Knights beat Vancouver 6-3 on April 2, showing that they’re not just going to hand over the West title to the Canucks.

Vegas Golden Knights
Second Conference Pick: Golden Knights +550 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Western Conference Winner Lines

Best Underdog Play: LA Kings +1200

The Los Angeles Kings show great balance on offense. Adrian Kempe has 67. Anze Kopitar has 66.

The balance on offense is the reason NHL betting fans should consider backing the Kings to win the Western Conference. Los Angeles distributes the puck well and the blue line solid. Not only that, but goalie Cam Talbot has a 91.5 save percentage.

Los Angeles Kings
Underdog Conference Pick: LA Kings +1200 | NHL Conference Odds NHL Western Conference Winner Lines

2024 Stanley Cup Winner

Top Play: Carolina Hurricanes +650

The odds on Carolina make them one of the favorites. Favorites don’t always win the Stanely Cup. However in this case, the Canes feel due.

Sebastian Aho and his mates have played great hockey all season long.

Second Pick: Vancouver Canucks +1400

From day one, Vancouver let it be known that they’re a legitimate threat to win Lord Stanley’s hardware. The Canucks have the defense led by Quinne Hughes, goaltending Thatcher Demko and his 34-13 record, and multiple scoring threats to win it all.

Vancouver will come close, but at the end, the Canucks won’t do enough to get by Carolina. Still, a runner up finish as a season long underdog isn’t bad.

Vancouver Canucks
Second Pick: Canucks +1400 | Current Stanley Cup Odds NHL Daily Futures for the Cup

Best Underdog Play: LA Kings +2500

25-to-1 odds on the Kings make Los Angeles an overlay. Based on how the Kings have played this season, it’s obvious they can upset the rest of the Western Conference and possibly even Florida, Boston, the Rangers, or the Hurricanes in the Stanely Cup. Los Angeles is the top underdog play.

Los Angeles Kings
Underdog Pick: LA Kings +2500 | Current Stanley Cup Odds NHL Futures for the Cup

The following Stanley Cup betting odds are based on MyBookie Sportsbook.

There you have it. Those are our Top Weekend Games to Bet on. The final regular season games are slated for Thursday April 18th, 2024. Drop the puck!

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?