NHL Playoffs Betting Analysis and Predictions for Matchups in Game 2, Round 1

We have now seen all 8 games from the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with a few of the results different than what we expected. While a win in Game 1 is big, especially when it comes on the road, the teams who have the lead know that there is a lot more to be done before they can move on to the next round. Wednesday night will see no less than 4 Game 2 games played. We have already taken a quick look at all the Round 1 series, but we thought it might be worth doing a quick recap now that we do have a game in the books, so let’s look at the games taking place on Wednesday night.

 

NHL Playoffs First Round Games: 4/19 | NHL Lines

 

New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes

When: Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC
TV / Streaming: ESPN 2

We all know the old nugget about defense winning championships, and while we are just 1 game in, we are seeing a couple of teams look solid on D in the early going. One of those teams is the Carolina Hurricanes, who came away with a 2-1 win over the Islanders in Game 1. This is perhaps not that surprising when you consider that the Hurricanes took 3 in a row from the Islanders in the regular season, surrendering just 3 goals in the process. My initial pick was the Hurricanes in 5 games, and that stays the same.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins

When: Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV / Streaming: ESPN

Given how good the Bruins have been at home this season, I think the only way this series becomes interesting is if the Panthers can steal Game 2 on the road. The Bruins looked in control throughout as they took Game 1 by a score of 3-1. If they can also take the 2nd game on home ice, this thing might be over before it even gets started. I initially had the Bruins winning this series in 6 games but hitting the road with a 2-0 lead might just see them getting the job done sooner.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars

When: Wednesday, April 19 at 9:30 pm ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV / Streaming: ESPN 2

Starting out a series on the road is tough, with most teams looking to come away with the split, which would mean stealing home ice advantage. The Minnesota Wild did just that, taking out the Stars 3-2 in a double OT Game 1. I had a feeling that this series was going to be tight, and I think it’s fair to say that the opening game proved that. The pressure is very much on Dallas in Game 2, but we very often see the home team bounce back in a big way after an opening game loss. I had Dallas winning the series in 6, but this one might just go the distance.

Bet Wild vs Stars to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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LA Kings at Edmonton Oilers

When: Wednesday, April 19 at 10:00 pm ET
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
TV / Streaming: ESPN

The Oilers came into the postseason on a staggering run of form, winning 9 in a row to close out the regular season. That all went out the window in Game 1, though, as they fell to the LA Kings in OT on home ice. This is not entirely surprising, as I always felt as though this was going to be a series that went the full 7 games. Yes, the pressure is on Edmonton heading into Game 2, but there will be no panic in that squad, at least, not yet.

Bet Kings vs Oilers to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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Kings @ Oilers 4/17 – NHL Playoffs 2023

 

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

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