NHL Postseason Preview

Wagering: 1.888.238.8018 - 1.888.889.4313
Customer Service: 1.877.717.7747 - 1.888.889.4368

: 1.888.238.8198 - 1.888.889.4312
: 1.888.378.0888 - 1.888.889.4219

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 8 Chicago Blackhawks

The Vancouver Canucks are the best team in hockey and look forward to eliminating the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have knocked Vancounver out the last two years running and this would be a big revenge game.

The Canucks eased into the playoffs. Daniel Sedin is likely to copy twin brother Henrik and win the Hart trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Ryan Kesler was a two-way standout with 41 goals, 73 points and a +24 defensive rating. The Canucks are deep enough to have overcome a blizzard of injuries on defense. The Blackhawks have looked old and worn out, with injuries to Dave Bolland and Troy Brouwer, but the sight of Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo might revive old muscle memory. The Canucks get revenge and sweep the defending champions out of the playoffs.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Vancouver Canucks in four Games

No. 2 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 7 LA Kings

The San Jose Sharks got a good draw in the first round matching up against the lifeless Kings who limped into the NHL post season. The Sharks are all about offense and are the second rated team on the power play in the league.

The Sharks' recent playoff history is ugly but they won two rounds before being swept by Chicago in last season's West final. They have enviable depth up the middle and up front with Marleau, Joe Thornton (21 goals, 70 points), Dany Heatley (26 goals, 64 points) and sensational rookie center Logan Couture (32 goals, 56 points). The Kings might regain winger Justin Williams (22 goals, 57 points) but they need more to awaken their sleeping offense. The power play must produce for them to have any chance. The Sharks will have a tougher time than expected with the Kings but will advance to the next round.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: San Jose Sharks in Six Games

No. 3 Detroit Redwings vs. No. 6 Phoenix Coyotes

The Detroit Redwings battled Phoenix a year ago in a great series to watch and hopefully they will do it again in 2011. Phoenix is trying to break a streak as they have yet to win a playoff series since they moved to the desert.

The Red Wings have been inconsistent but they've been pummeled by injuries. Zetterberg (knee) isn't expected to be ready for the start of the series but rugged defenseman Niklas Kronwall (upper-body) is likely to play. The Red Wings weren't invincible at home: they lost 14 games in regulation at Joe Louis Arena, their highest total since 1992-93. The Coyotes have discipline, a sound checking game and the often-spectacular goaltending of Ilya Bryzgalov (2.48 goals-against average, .921 save percentage).

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Detroit Red Wings in six games

No. 4 Anaheim Ducks vs. No. 5 Nashville Predators This series could come down to the power play. The Ducks are thirdin the power play and the Predators are fifth in killing the powerplay.

The Ducks had fits with the Predators this season, giving up 17 goals while losing three of four games. The Predators are scrappy and exceptionally strong on defense, with Shea Weber and Ryan Suter likely to play a lot against Ryan Getzlaf, Perry, and whoever the other winger is if Coach Randy Carlyle continues to move Bobby Ryan around for balance. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (2.12, .930) will get some MVP votes, and deservedly so. The Ducks have struggled against the Predators but they will win and advance thanks to an exciting offense.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Anaheim Ducks in five games

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 Washington Capitals vs. No. 8 New York Rangers

The Washington Capitals knew they were going to go to the NHL post season so they rested their star, : Alexander Ovechkin and they are ready to make a run to the cup. The Capitals scored less this season (224 goals, down from 318 in 2009-10) but should enjoy a more successful playoff run than last season's first-round dismissal by Montreal. They're more solid defensively, and rookie defenseman John Carlson is a legitimate Calder trophy pick. The Rangers will miss injured forward Ryan Callahan from a weak offense. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist (2.28, .923 and a league-leading 11 shutouts) must be spectacular for them to stay competitive.

Washington will not soon forget the early exit they had a year ago and they will easily defeat the Rangers.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Washington Capitals in five games

No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. No. 7 Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are better than the Flyer in penalty killing and the power play and will have a stronger presence in the net.

The Flyers faded down the stretch. Sergei Bobrovsky doesn't inspire a lot of confidence but will start in goal, with Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton behind him. The Flyers need Chris Pronger to return from wrist surgery and be effective. He can dominate a series and did with Edmonton in 2006, the Ducks in 2007 and the Flyers a year ago. The Sabres have surged since the team was sold to businessman Terry Pegula. The line of Tim Connolly, Vanek and Jason Pominville will have to excel at both ends of the ice. The Sabres behind the strong play of goalie Ryan Miller will lead the Sabres to the first round upset.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Buffalo Sabres win in seven games

No. 3 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 Montreal Canadiens

The Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens are one of the longest rivalries in the NHL. This series will be one to watch if you’re a fan of hard-hitting and great hockey.

Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas led the league with a 2.00 goals-against average and modern-day record .938 save percentage and will be the key to their fortunes. His Montreal counterpart, Carey Price, faded late but shared the league lead with 38 wins, ranked eighth with a .923 save percentage and 10th with a 2.35 goals-against average. The Bruins prefer a physical, defense-first game that the Canadiens can disrupt with their speed. This could go either way. While the Canadiens will play hard, they just don’t have the talent to beat the Bruins.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Boston Bruins in five games

No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning

The Penguins have the best penalty killing unit in the NHL and even if they are without some of their best players they will be ready to take on Tampa Bay.

Crosby (concussion) has been practicing but hasn't been cleared for contact, making his return for the first round unlikely. Without Crosby and injured Evgeni Malkin the Penguins played a tighter defensive game and led the league in penalty killing for the first time in franchise history. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (2.32, .918) made it work. The Lightning had two players among the top five scorers, with Steven Stamkos (45 goals, 91 points) ranking fifth after a late fade. The Penguins are better defensively and deeper. This series will have some action because Tampa Bay is talented, but Pittsburgh will win in the first round.

NHL Sports Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins in six. The NHL playoffs are underway and if you like to wager on hockey, Bet Phoenix is the way to go. Bet Phoenix has great wagering odds and opportunities on every game in the NHL.