Written by Graeme & Scott on Thursday, April 12th, 2018
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Playoff hockey is back and it’s been a very interesting start so far.
The Penguins absolutely thumped the Flyers 7-0 in a real surprise. Minnesota were a feisty bunch but the Jets prevailed and showed a lot of mental toughness, and the Knights put on a tremendous performance in beating the Kings 1-0.
That latter one is the series we’re really interested in as Quick looked in beast mode that game. The Knights had so many creative attacks he stopped and if he keeps that up it’s going to be interesting.
Now we turn our attention to Thursday, April 12th. There’s a whopping 5 games today and it should be a fun night of action. We’re really looking forward to the Devils vs Lightning game and the Leafs vs Bruins game. Have to wonder how Hall is going to do and he must be right pumped to be here. Living in Canada everything is pro-Leafs to the point where you’re almost expecting them to take this series.
Let’s get to it:
Leafs vs Bruins Series Betting Tips:
Scott: The Leafs won the regular season series 3-1.
The Bruins had a great year. And finished second in the East. The Leafs, who are still technically in the middle of their rebuild, finished 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
The Bruins have the experience and one of the most complete lines in the NHL with Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak. The Leafs have the youth and speed.
This is going to be a amazing series and potentially the best of the first round. I could see it going either way. But the Leafs will be looking to erase their last effort against the Bruins in the postseason which all Leafs fans would love to forget.
But the Leafs set franchise records this year for wins and was the best Leafs team we have seen in ages. The Bruins defense is where this series could be decided.
Maple Leafs in 7
Graeme: It’s been very hard to be unbiased on this one as everything I am seeing and hearing there’s a lot of belief in the Leafs. And no-one can forget how feisty they were against the Capitals.
It’s a very interesting one as the Leafs are a feisty bunch and a lot of players who won’t give up. They’ll be up for this and they have the playoff experience to boot now for a lot of them. However the Bruins looked incredible for most of the season.
I’m hearing a fair bit of money is going on the Leafs depending on the sportsbook but when I watched Boston during the regular season, I saw a team who I felt could go all the way and take the cup. At this point I just can’t go against that.
Bruins to win and hopefully in 7 although I could see them wrap it up earlier honestly. I mean look at all the big injuries they had to overcome and the suspensions from Marchand.
Bruins to win series:
Canada: 1.73 odds at Sports Interaction.
USA: BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.71 odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
Leafs to Win Series:
Canada: 2.35 odds at BetOnline..
USA: Bovada..
Everyone Else: 2.35 odds at BetOnline..
Devils vs Lightning Series Betting Tips:
Scott: The Devils won all 3 games against the Lightning this year.
The Lightning won both the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.
The Devils made the playoffs when me or most others didn’t expect them to. Taylor Hall had an amazing year and was a huge part of this teams turnaround.
But the Lightning are a team with no real weaknesses. Kucherov and Stamkos are lethal together and the have secondary scoring where the Devils don’t. The Lightning are a real threat to go all the way.
Lightning in 6
Graeme: that regular season sweep by the Devils has me concerned, as does the performances of Vasilevskiy in the latter half of the season. It’s an interesting one as the Devils are really in here thanks to Taylor Hall and that’s it. Kinkaid has looked fairly solid at times and he was a big part of them getting to the playoffs.
Honestly I am extremely conflicted here. I do think the Lightning will be too much for them BUT they held up against Tampa with 3 tight wins and that last game they only had 28 shots to Tampas 51 but held on. I’ve seen things like this before – sometimes one team just gets things going for them. I’ll say Lightning but man I’m not the most confident in that. No clue how many games.
Blue Jackets vs Capitals Series Betting Tips:
Scott: The season series was won by Washington 3-1.
The Caps looked great down the stretch going 12-3 in their final 15 games. That momentum is going to carry over into this series. People aren’t expecting as much from the Caps as they have in the past. So with less pressure I expect them to do some damage.
The Jackets had a decent year and ended up in the first wild card spot. I just don’t see them being able to contain this Caps team.
Ovechkin can take hold of this series if he is on his game and I expect him to so just that. He deserves a cup in my opinion. Not sure it’ll be this year but they’ll move onto the 2nd round.
Capitals in 5
Graeme: The Caps were a tough team to back during the regular season. They had a great run at the end but there were many times where they showed some serious issues and lack of motivation.
We know the Caps and their playoff history but the last few years you can count on them to get through the first round at least. I think the Jackets can cause them problems for sure especially if their offense remains hot, but Capitals in 6 is what I am going with. I think Caps take their eye off the puck a couple of times.
Avalanche vs Predators Betting Tips:
Scott: The Predators won all 4 games against the Avalanche this season.
The Preds were the #16 ranked team last year and went to the final. This year they won the Presidents Trophy and are eager to get back to the finals for another shot at the cup.
The Avs limped into the playoffs and were forced to beat the Blues in the final game of the season to get to this point.
The Preds are a deep team and have the best defense in the league. And their forward depth is also incredible. Mike Fisher is their 4th line center that’s just not fair.
It’s their depth and defense that will carry them to the 2nd round and further.
Predators in 5
Graeme: Preds are the team to beat in the West. Everything about them is incredible. I mean do I really have to write much about them here? This should be a freaking sweep. In saying that I can’t wait for the Avs to steal a win in game 1 and make me look like an idiot. I mean how many times have I backed the Preds the last 2 seasons in “no brainer” bets and lost? About FIVE THOUSAND TIMES. But Predators in 4 seems a no brainer bet.
Sharks vs Ducks Series Betting Tips:
Scott: The Sharks went 3-0-1 against the Ducks this season. Only 1 point separated these teams in the the standings this year.
The Ducks ended the season strong going 10-1-1 which was huge for them and gained home ice advantage in the first round. They will be without Cam Fowler for this series which will hurt them. Their starting goalie John Gibson missed the finals three games of the season. If he plays he may be a little rusty.
The Sharks have lots of experienced players on their roster. And their deadline addition of Evander Kane was a great fit getting 14 points in 17 games as a member of the Sharks.
This has the potential to be a rough series and could easily go the distance. Brent Burns has the ability to change the outcome of this series and I expect big things from him in the first round.
Sharks in 7
Graeme: This should be a real interesting series. The Gibson situation has me concerned and that really sucked for the Ducks. Scott mentioned Burns however if Getzlaf is rolling he also has the ability to change the outcome of the series.
Honestly I couldn’t tell you who will win but this one looks so close I’m just gonna bet that it is decided in Game 7. Screw it I’ll go with Ducks in 7 with loser buying the beer/wings for the hopeful Game 7 game.
Canada: 2.80 at Casumo
USA: BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 2.80 at Casumo
