Gamblers see a changing climate for the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite the fact that the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning are still respected. However, the Lightning are not the NHL betting odds favorite. Tampa Bay’s arch-enemy Florida is the public choice with the betting public. A late regular season improvement by the Toronto Maple Leafs has made them the second choice of bettors. Tampa Bay is the third choice, followed by the solid Carolina Hurricanes.
2022 Stanley Playoffs Eastern Conference Championship
| Date: | May 2 through June 30, 2022 |
|---|---|
| NHL Playoffs TV Coverage: | TNT, ESPN, ABC |
NHL Eastern Conference Championship Odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | +250 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +450 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +500 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +550 |
| Boston Bruins | +800 |
| New York Rangers | +800 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +900 |
| Washington Capitals | +1600 |
SBG Odds Overview – 2022 Eastern Conference NHL Betting Analysis
On the whole, the Eastern Conference is comprised of legacy franchises such as the Maple Leafs, Bruins, and Rangers. And then there are upstart teams such as the Panthers and Hurricanes. Those older franchises carry a lot of sportsbook popularity on the board with their large fan bases. In turn, Florida may actually prove to be a bargain. If Toronto had the Panthers’ record, they would be close to even money chalk.
Boston was also closing the regular season strong and added to their support. By contrast, the Rangers may prove to be an incredible value. The Penguins and Capitals are getting old.
Florida Panthers – Lighting the Lamp
First seed is Florida in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers are one of the most exciting teams in the NHL. Of major concern is that Florida has questionable defense and goaltending.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Next Year’s Team
The Maple Leafs are a grand old brand of hockey. Toronto is the most popular team on the NHL board. However, the Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. Like Florida, the Leafs are highly skilled and exciting. But they play loose on the back end with unproven goaltending.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Out of Gas?
Of course, the Lightning is coming off consecutive Stanley Cup championships. But winning a Stanley Cup is a draining experience. Trying to do it three years in a row is impossible in the eyes of many. Fashion that Tampa Bay has the NHL’s top goalie with Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Carolina Hurricanes – Ignored and Tight
Specifically, the Hurricanes win the old fashion way with defense. Carolina ranked best in the NHL for the fewest goals allowed. But Carolina may lack a finishing scorer and secondary scoring.
Boston Bruins – An Old Favorite
The Bruins bring a ton of causal support with their large fan base. The Bruins don’t have a lot of secondary goal scoring. Thus, the B’s rely on defense and goaltending like the Hurricanes. Boston goalies were strong in the regular season but are unproven in the playoffs.
New York Rangers – A Rising Power?
New York was the most improved team in the NHL. First year head coach Gerard Gallant is a Coach of the Year candidate. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is quickly making Ranger fans get over the retirement of Henrik Lundqvist.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Yesterday’s News
Pittsburgh lost steam down the NHL betting stretch with its combination of older veterans and less experienced players. Sidney Crosby remains the man on the marquee.
Washington Capitals – All for Alex
Since their 2018 Stanley Cup championship, the Capitals’ success has eroded. Washington has Alex Ovechkin and not much else.
2022 NHL Eastern Conference SBG Best Bet: Boston Bruins.