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

The Stanley Cup playoffs have begun, with the first round of games already in the books. Even this early in the proceedings, you can tell that some of these series are going to be tight, with 2 of the first 4 games going to OT. Winning Game 1, especially when it comes on the road, is big, but 1 win is no indication of how a whole series might play out. We will get into those first 4 games a little deeper tomorrow, but for now, we have to turn our attention to the next group of games, with 4 new series set to begin on Tuesday night. Let’s take a close look at these games, with a series NHL betting prediction for each.

 

NHL Playoffs First Round Games: 4/18 | NHL Lines

 

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils

When: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
TV / Streaming: TBS

One thing that we tend to see quite a bit in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are divisional matchups, and we have another good one set to go here on Tuesday night. The Devils took the regular season series 3-1, but 3 of the 4 games these teams played were decided by a single goal, so we are looking at some very slim margins indeed. The Rangers would love to get the split from the 2 road games to start the series, but either way, I think this will go all the way, with the Devils taking it in 7 games.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs

When: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
TV / Streaming: ESPN

Yet another divisional matchup and one that is certainly going to be tough to predict. On paper, it looks as though Toronto is the better team, but the Maple Leafs have been an absolute disaster in the postseason. On the flipside, you have a Tampa team that has won Stanley Cups and is loaded with playoff experience. I am legitimately torn here, as I am worried about taking Toronto to win, only to have them put in another awful playoff showing. They did win 2 of 3 versus Tampa in the regular season, and I think this series goes the distance.

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Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights

When: Tuesday, April 18 at 9:30 pm ET
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
TV / Streaming: ESPN 2

If you look at nothing but the regular season series between these teams, you have what looks to be a rather lopsided affair. The Vegas Golden Knights won all 3 meetings with the Jets in the regular season, and while one of those games was a blowout, the other two were decided by a single goal. Those are games that could, on any given night, go the other way. That said, I think that Vegas are a little stronger from top to bottom, which is why I like them to win this series in 6 games.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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Seattle Kraken at Colorado Avalanche

When: Tuesday, April 18 at 10:00 pm ET
Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV / Streaming: ESPN

This is an interesting matchup in a number of ways. You have a team making their first ever playoff appearance going against a team that a lot of people believe will win the West, and potentially the Stanley Cup. It’s big that Seattle made it in, and you can argue that they are essentially playing with house money at this point, while all the pressure is on the shoulders of the Colorado Avalanche. The Kraken actually took 2 of 3 from the Avs in the regular season, but I think Colorado moves into a higher gear and takes this series in 6 games.

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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

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