NHL Playoff Hockey: Top Storylines for the First Round

When the National Hockey League playoffs begin, it’s time to evaluate who will rise to the occasion and who will drop out. The first round has some intriguing matchups, so take some time to study.

There’s nothing like NHL playoff hockey. The intensity begins at the puck drop and doesn’t end until the horn sounds at the end of the third period—and sometimes beyond. While most playoff teams were decided a few days before the season’s end, the seeding was still up in the air. But now it’s time to get serious. Let’s dissect the best matchups in the first round and wonder who will be the Boston Bruins of a year ago. The Bruins were heavily favored to win the Stanley Cup going into the 2023 playoffs but were busted out in round one.

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Here’s our four top picks for upsets and victors in round one:

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Yes, it’s those Boston Bruins again this year. These two teams have played several times over the last decade and the Bruins won those series in 2013, 2018, and 2019. Some say Boston tanked at the end of this season in order to match up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nonetheless, the oddsmakers rate this series as almost a toss-up with the Bruins at -130 and the Leafs at +110.

History would favor the Bruins who usually play well in pressure situations, last year’s results notwithstanding, and the Leafs seem to back off when the going gets tough. But the thirst for the Stanley Cup in Toronto is deep and intense, so let’s take a flyer on the Leafs this season.

New York Rangers Vs. Washington Capitals

The New York Rangers had the most points of any team in hockey this season and seem poised for a deep playoff run. The Washington Capitals claimed a playoff spot on the last day of the season and seem wobbly, even with superstar Alexander Ovechkin. Washington is the sixth-worst team in the league by goal differential and only have two players with more than 20 goals. The Rangers offense isn’t a world beater though, and the team mainly survives on excellent goaltending.

So take the Rangers at -375, but this series would make a great parlay partner with other bets.

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Dallas Stars Vs. Vegas Golden Knights

The Dallas Stars won the top seed in the Western Conference, and the prize was facing the second wild card Vegas Golden Knights, the defending Stanley Cup champions. But this VGK team is dangerous, acquiring veteran Tomas Hertl at the trade deadline and captain Mark Stone will be returning for game one.

But Dallas is basically the same team that made the Western Conference Finals last year, where they lost to Vegas. Will home ice advantage and an inconsistent VGK team make the difference? Probably not. Take VGK at +110.

Edmonton Oilers Vs. Los Angeles Kings

This matchup is the same that occurred in the last two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers winning both vs. the Los Angeles Kings. Edmonton has the best power play in the game and is also the best scoring goals at full strength. Leon Draisaitl is the best player in hockey in the playoffs, scoring 20 goals and accumulating 50 points during the last two season.

This one is a no-brainer. Take the Oilers at -190 and relax.

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