There are now just 2 weeks left in the NHL regular season, which means that the playoffs are right around the corner. Given the nature of the races in both conferences, we are probably not going to know the Round 1 matchups until all the games have been played, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t start looking ahead to the postseason. Of course, the predictions that we are about to make here might well change once we do know the path that each team will need to take to make it to the Stanley Cup Final. Even though those paths are still to be determined, there are a couple of teams who have proven that they are already going to be very tough to beat. We will get into the potential seedings in a separate article later this week, but for now, let’s take a more general look at both conferences, NHL Odds and how they might play out.

Betting Predictions for the 2023 NHL Playoffs

Eastern Conference

The one thing that we can be sure of is that the Boston Bruins will head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the #1 seed in the East as well as the favorite to win it all this season. They have already amassed 119 points and will win the President’s trophy for the best record in the league, but will that translate to success in the postseason? The main benefit they will have is home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, and with a 30-3-3 record at home, they are going to be very tough to beat.

The Carolina Hurricanes look to be the team most likely to give the Bruins a run for their money, with those teams coming off an absolute thriller on Sunday night. It would probably be the Eastern Conference Final that most fans want to see, but is there another team that might upset the apple cart?

The New Jersey Devils cannot be ignored, but If I was looking for a potential dark horse in the East, I might be tempted to play the New York Rangers. They are on an 8-1-1 run in their last 10, and while their path to the Final might be tougher, they cannot be ignored.

Bet NHL Eastern Conference to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Western Conference

Things look to be a little tougher to predict in the West, as you can’t really say that any one team has dominated in that conference in the way the Bruins have in the East. The Vegas Golden Knights have the best record in the West right now with 98 points, but I’m not even sure they are the best team in the Pacific Division.

When it comes to predicting the playoffs, I tend to look for teams that are going into the postseason hot, and who is hotter than the LA Kings eight now? They have picked up points in 12 straight games after their Sunday night win and might just end up as the #1 seed in the West. If they can nab that top spot, look out.

The Colorado Avalanche were considered by many to be one of the favorites to win it all this season, and while they have not totally lived up to the hype, they are poised to win the Central Division and head into the playoffs as one of the highest seeded teams.

If you want a dark horse, the Winnipeg Jets might be worth a look, assuming they make it in, which is not guaranteed. They have more wins (28) versus conference foes than any other team.

Bet NHL Western Conference to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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