No playoff tops the Stanley Cup when it comes to pro sports. Unpredictability makes the NHL Playoffs, unlike all other games. In the same way, the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs may prove to be better than ever. With over four months of idle time, the NHL start will be like a new season. Handicappers will face the challenge of factoring in the long layoff. Will skill and offense be sluggish at the start? Defensive fatigue is another potential factor with the NHL odds. Therefore, such uncertainty makes a great event even better.
Now let’s examine the best preliminary round series!
New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Islanders | -115 |
| Panthers | -105 |
In comparison to most series, this one is of extreme opposites. New York ranks just 24th for goals scored but ninth for goals allowed. While Florida ranks sixth for goals scored but 28th for goals against. Defense, goaltending, and grit is the usual recipe for Stanley Cup success. Florida showed an extreme lack of those qualities during the season. Alternatively, the Islanders bring much more grit and work ethic. New York’s Barry Trotz and Florida’s Joel Quenneville bring Stanley Cup coaching resumes. But only the Isles bring a championship lunch bucket.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Hurricanes | -140 |
| Rangers | +120 |
Extending the Hurricanes sportsbook success is an effective balance. Carolina ranks 11th in the NHL for both goals scored and goals against. By contrast, the Rangers are a strong offensive club ranked fifth for goal scoring. Of great concern are a back end and goaltending that ranked 23rd for goals allowed. New York is one of the youngest and most improved teams in the NHL. Carolina has vastly more experience. And a confirmed 200-foot type of game.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Penguins | -230 |
| Canadiens | +190 |
Montreal is the most dangerous and capable big underdog on the board. Namely, Carey Price is the reason why. Price at his best is one of the most dominant goaltenders in the game. Even without the COVID-19 factor would Montreal be a potential hand grenade. Of course, the Penguins bring skill with C Sidney Crosby and C Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh ranked 10th for goals scored and 12th for goals against. Montreal was a subpar 19th for goals scored and 19th for goals allowed. But in a short five-game series after four months off???
Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Flames | -120 |
| Jets | EV |
In view of the records and rosters, this rates as the best preliminary matchup. Winnipeg was a regular-season underachiever. Calgary exceeded its metrics of 20th for goals scored and 17th for goals against. Winnipeg ranked 17th for goal scoring but 10th for goals against. Notwithstanding their higher seed is the fact that Calgary was derided. Many hockey experts were confounded at how the Flames won games. Owing to their back end and goaltending is Winnipeg rated as a top sleeper.
2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs SBG Free Picks:
On this occasion, we get a Stanley Cup Playoff for the ages. Fans will love the intrigue and unpredictability. Handicappers will enjoy the challenge of trying to beat unique intangibles of the NHL odds. First, Montreal brings a massive price and impact goalie. Carolina offers a complete game. Winnipeg rates better than favored Calgary. Concurrently the Islanders have the defense and goaltending to go far.
2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs SBG Bet Bets: Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets