Wondering how do NHL playoffs work, you’re in the right place here at MyBookie! The NHL Playoffs are a fast-paced four-round elimination tournament loaded with NHL betting action that decides which team will lift the Stanley Cup at the end of the season.
How Do NHL Playoffs Work? MyBookie Will Help You Out on this One
My NHL Playoff Breakdown: CRUSH the Betting Lines with This Winning Strategy!
2025 NHL Season | 108th season of the National Hockey League
Regular Season concludes on 17 April, 2025
Answering the Big Question: How Do the NHL Playoffs Work?
We are getting closer and closer to the start of the postseason in the National Hockey League.
It’s always fun to follow the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Many people do not realize how it works, so this is a great opportunity to discuss the latest in NHL Postseason betting.
Table of Contents: How Do the NHL Playoffs Work?
What Are NHL Playoffs and How Do They Work?
How the NHL Playoffs Impact Bettors
Can You Bet on Right Now for the NHL Playoffs?
What Are the Teams with the Best Chances of Reaching the Playoffs?
What Are NHL Playoffs and How Do They Work?
The NHL Playoffs are a four-round elimination tournament that determines the Stanley Cup champion.
Sixteen teams qualify—eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference.
The top three teams from each division automatically qualify, while two additional wild-card teams in each conference also make the playoffs based on total points.
Each round follows a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games advances.
Playoffs are structured to reward higher-seeded teams with home-ice advantage.
The first three rounds, the higher-seeded team hosts four of the seven potential games.
In the Stanley Cup Finals, home-ice advantage goes to the team with the better regular-season record.
The playoffs are intense because the margin for error is small.
Teams must balance scoring, defense, and goaltending over a grueling two-month period.
Unlike the regular season, there are no shootouts or 3-on-3 overtime play.
Instead, all playoff overtime games are played at full strength in a sudden-death format, meaning the first goal wins.
This increases the unpredictability of each game, which is important for bettors.
When Do NHL Playoffs Start?
The NHL Playoffs begin in mid-April, just a few days after the regular season ends.
First round usually lasts two weeks, followed by the second and third rounds.
Stanley Cup Finals start in late May or early June and can last up to two weeks if the series goes the full seven games.
When Does the Stanley Cup Finals Start?
The Stanley Cup Finals typically begin in late May or early June, depending on how quickly the previous rounds finish.
If teams sweep their series in four games, the Finals may start earlier.
After that, if series go the full seven games, the Finals could be delayed.
The Finals follow the 2-2-1-1-1 format, meaning the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the opponent hosts Games 3, 4, and 6.
How the NHL Playoffs Impact Bettors
The NHL Playoffs are very different from the regular season when it comes to betting.
Some teams that perform well in the regular season struggle in the playoffs, while others elevate their game.
Understanding how teams adapt to playoff hockey is key for bettors.
Home-Ice Advantage Matters, But Not as Much as Other Sports
Unlike the NBA or NFL, home-ice advantage in the NHL is not as significant.
The crowd plays a role, but hockey is more about execution and goaltending.
In the playoffs, road teams often win games, especially when they have a strong defensive structure.
Bettors should not assume that the home team is always favored to win.
Goaltending Becomes Even More Important
Goaltending is the most critical position in the NHL Playoffs.
A hot goalie can carry an underdog team deep into the playoffs.
As for a prime example was the 2023 Florida Panthers, who rode goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to the Stanley Cup Finals despite being a lower-seeded team.
Bettors should look at goalie stats like save percentage, goals against average (GAA), and playoff experience before placing bets.
Backup goalies rarely play in the playoffs, so a team’s starting goalie must be reliable.
Series Betting and Adjustments
One unique aspect of the NHL Playoffs is that teams adjust their strategies as a series progresses.
A team that loses Game 1 might make key lineup changes or adjust its defensive system.
Bettors should track these adjustments and look for trends, such as a team that struggles in Game 1 but bounces back strong in Game 2.
Live betting on series outcomes is also popular.
If a team loses the first game but looks competitive, the odds for them to win the series might become more favorable.
This is where bettors can find value.
Physicality and Injuries Increase
The NHL Playoffs are much more physical than the regular season.
Teams play harder, and injuries are more common.
A team that relies on a few star players might struggle if one of them gets hurt.
Bettors should check injury reports before placing bets, especially for key defensemen and goalies.
What Can You Bet on Right Now for the NHL Playoffs?
Even before the playoffs start, sportsbooks offer futures bets.
Bettors can place wagers on who will win the Stanley Cup, conference championships, and even individual awards like the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP).
How to Find Value Bets in NHL Futures
Finding value in NHL futures means looking for teams that are better than their odds suggest.
Teams that peak at the right time are often overlooked in the odds.
Look for teams with strong goaltending, defensive depth, and recent winning streaks.
For example, a team like the Winnipeg Jets might not be a favorite, but if they get hot in the last few weeks of the regular season, they could be a strong playoff contender with favorable odds.
What Are the Teams with the Best Chances of Reaching the Playoffs?
Top Contenders in the Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes +650
The Hurricanes are built for deep playoff runs.
They have one of the best defensive cores in the league and can shut down high-scoring teams.
Panthers are a smart pick for bettors looking for consistency.
Carolina is currently trailing Washington for the top of the Metro Division.
Florida Panthers +800
Panthers remain one of the toughest teams in the NHL.
They play a structured defensive game and have great goaltending.
Florida’s playoff experience makes them a serious contender.
This team has a serious chance to go back-to-back as champions.
Florida is just ahead of Toronto at the top of the Atlantic.
New York Rangers +3500
The Rangers have an elite goalie in Igor Shesterkin, which makes them dangerous in any series.
If their offense clicks, they could make a deep run.
It is always fun to see postseason hockey played at Madison Square Garden.
New York is fighting hard to get into playoff contention, but the faith is there that they will have a better second half.
Top Contenders in the Western Conference
Edmonton Oilers +600
Led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have the best offense in the NHL.
If their goaltending holds up, they are a top Stanley Cup favorite.
Edmonton is in a battle with Vegas for the top of the Pacific Division.
Colorado Avalanche +1400
With Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar leading the way, Colorado has elite talent at every position.
Their success depends on staying healthy.
The Avalanche come into the break with a 33-22-2 record,
Vegas Golden Knights +1200
The defending champions have depth and experience.
They know how to win in the playoffs, making them a smart bet.
Golden Knights and Oilers are going to have quite the fight down the stretch to see which teams grabs the Pacific title.
NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs will be the best Sports championship event in 2025 (again)
— Sleepy Ken Holland (@dickcheesington) February 10, 2025
Writer’s Picks to Win the Stanley Cup
Below is my list of picks to win Stanley Cup, keep in mind, been writing about NHL for sportbsooks for quite a while now, so thing stick to you. Reason why I decided to include it in this hockey post.
Here you go, enjoy it and bet on it:
Top Pick: Edmonton Oilers +600
McDavid and Draisaitl are the best duo in hockey.
If their defense and goaltending improve, they can win the Cup.
Strong Contender: Carolina Hurricanes +650
Their defensive depth and playoff structure make them a difficult team to beat.
Dark Horse: Dallas Stars +900
They have an elite goalie in Jake Oettinger and a mix of veteran and young talent.
If they get hot, they can surprise many.
Final Conclusion on How Do NHL Playoff Brackets Work
The NHL Playoffs are one of the most exciting tournaments in sports.
With a best-of-seven format, teams must balance skill, depth, and goaltending to win the Stanley Cup.
For bettors, tracking trends, injuries, and team adjustments can create profitable opportunities.
Whether betting on series outcomes, individual games, or futures, the NHL Playoffs provide plenty of action.
We wish you the best of luck with all your National Hockey League betting.
It should be a great finish to the season, and an excellent postseason.
Bet the NHL Hockey | NHL Live Betting MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament
^ Top^ Top“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT THE RANGERS DO IN THE 54TH GAME OF THE 2024-2025 NHL REGULAR SEASON. IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!”
— Philippe DeBasquette (@debasquette) February 9, 2025
MyBookie offers the current NHL betting lines for the season to win.
Updated Odds to Win 2024 Stanley Cup
| NHL Teams | Odds |
|---|---|
| Top Tier | |
| Edmonton Oilers | +820 |
| Florida Panthers | +890 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +890 |
| Dallas Stars | +920 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1075 |
| New York Rangers | +1125 |
| New Jersey Devils | +1250 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +1300 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +1325 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1625 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +1800 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +1850 |
| Minnesota Wild | +2000 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +2900 |
| Boston Bruins | +3000 |
| Nashville Predators | +3300 |
| Washington Capitals | +3700 |
| Ottawa Senators | +5600 |
| New York Islanders | +5800 |
| Utah Hockey Club | +7500 |
| Buffalo Sabres | +8000 |
| Seattle Kraken | +9000 |
| Detroit Red Wings | +10000 |
| St. Louis Blues | +11000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +11000 |
| Calgary Flames | +12000 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +14000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +24000 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +24000 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +36000 |
| Anaheim Ducks | +40000 |
| San Jose Sharks | +70000 |
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How Do NHL Playoff Brackets Work?
How Do NHL Playoff Brackets Work?
NHL Playoff Brackets are designed in a best-of-seven series format, with 16 teams – 8 from each conference – battling for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.
The teams are seeded based on their regular-season standings, and the bracket sets up matchups between the highest seed and the lowest, continuing in a structured path to the finals with each round eliminates one team.
Higher seeds will enjoy home-ice advantage in the first two rounds, but home-ice doesn’t guarantee success as upsets happen every year.
Stay updated with the latest NHL playoff odds, betting lines, and expert analysis in our NHL News section.
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