2022 NHL Playoffs Betting Predictions for Eastern and Western Conference Matchups

At some point in the month of June, we will see a team hoist the Stanley Cup after going on a memorable playoff run. The start of the playoffs are drawing ever closer, and while we don’t yet know the matchups for the opening round, we can still make some predictions by looking at how things stand now. Be aware, though, that the matchups may still change, which could well have an impact on everything we say here. The standings are very much in flux and will stay that way until the final game is played. While not quite ready to make a Stanley Cup winner prediction, I am willing to look at each conference and make some NHL Playoffs Betting predictions, so let’s get to it.

Hockey Betting Predictions for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Eastern Conference

It is beginning to look as though the Florida Panthers are closing in on the #1 seed in the East, although the Carolina Hurricanes might well have something to say about that. If the playoffs were to start today, the Panthers would face the Washington Capitals in the opening round. They have met 3 times this season, with each of those games decided by a single goal. Florida won 2, with Washington taking the other. I’d be looking at a long series and a potential upset.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on fire at the moment and would have a first-round matchup with the Boston Bruins, which is a series that would appeal to all hickey fans. Toronto handily won both meetings this season, and in their current form, a 5-game series win looks likely.

Right now, it would be the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning going head-to-head in what could potentially be another long series. The Hurricanes have taken 2 of 3 from Tampa this season and might be ready to knock off the defending champs.

In the final matchup, it would be the Rangers and the Penguins meeting up. It’s always fun to see divisional opponents square off in the postseason, as they tend to be chippy affairs. I’d be leaning towards the Penguins here in 6 or 7 games.

Western Conference

There is a clear favorite to win the West, as well as to potentially win the Stanley Cup. That would be the Colorado Avalanche, who are very much living up to preseason expectations. They would open up against the Vegas Golden Knights if the season ended today, which would be a tricky one. Still, I’d be looking at Colorado to win in 6 games.

The Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators have met just once this season, with Nashville getting the OT win in that one. They have still to play twice in the remaining weeks, so we might get a better feel for how this series would play out after seeing those games. Still, I’d be leaning towards the Flames.

We would have a divisional matchup between the LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers if the season ended today. The Oilers have the edge in the regular season series, but I think we can say that this would be the series to watch for those who love offense. Lots of OVER opportunities here.

We would have another divisional matchup in Round 1 if things stay as they are now, with the Blues and Wild set to match up. They have also only played once this season, but with 2 more meetings to come, we have time for hostilities to get fired up ahead of a potential playoff meeting.

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