NHL Betting: Ranking The Three Teams Trailing in their Second Round Playoff Series

This weekend brings us elimination games for three NHL playoff series. Things kick off tonight as the Florida Panthers look to eliminate the Boston Bruins on the road. After that, we’ll see if the Stars can close out a short-handed Avs team. The action will continue as the Edmonton Oilers fight to stay alive as they welcome the Vancouver Canucks in for a crucial Game 6.

Below, we’ll share how our USA Legal Betting experts rank the three teams on the brink of elimination. We’ll provide the latest odds and insights to give you everything you need to make some cash on betting apps this weekend.

Odds to win series: +300 at BetMGM Sportsbook

While the Avs were able to get an impressive 5-3 road win in Game 5, we see them as the team least likely to survive the weekend. The unexpected loss of Valeri Nichushkin, who had ten points (9 goals) across eight games during the playoffs. His absence leaves the team without a top scorer and is a massive blow to team morale.

The Avs were able to rally to overcome the loss in an emotional Game 5, but they still need to win two more games against a great Dallas team. The Stars have been scoring at a high clip and have overwhelmed the Avs defense and Alexander Georgiev (3.09 GA/G, .901 SV%).

As much as we like this Avs squad, their defensive struggles and the loss of Nichushkin are too much to overcome for two more games, especially against a Stars team looking for redemption after coming up just short of a Stanley Cup appearance last season.

Odds to win series: +500 at bet365 Sportsbook

Boston was one of the best defensive teams in hockey this season, but they haven’t been much of a match for the Florida Panthers. The high-powered Panthers have a ton of scoring power, led by one of the best players in the league in Matthew Tkachuk (13 points). While the Bruins were able to hold the Panthers to just one goal in both of their wins, they allowed a total of 15 in their three losses.

The player that will decide this series will be goalie Jeremy Swayman (2.16 GA/A, .933 SV%). The 25-year-old was stellar against the Leafs, but he has struggled against the Panthers’ offensive onslaught. Those struggles can’t be all pinned on the young goalie, with the blue line faltering and a few questionable decisions from the refs have cost them goals.

The reason we like the Bruins over the Avs is Brad Marchand (10 points). The winger is expected to be back on the ice tonight, which is great news for Boston. Marchand is a big part of what has made this team special, giving them a glimmer of hope heading into Game 6.

Odds to win series: +165 at BetRivers Sportsbook

The series between the Oilers and Canucks has been one of the best in the playoffs. All five games have been decided by just one goal, with one going into overtime. These teams are incredibly evenly matched, which made the Oilers Game 5 loss even more painful.

The Canucks have one of the most balanced teams in the league, but Edmonton has the talent advantage. The three playoff points leaders are all Oilers: Leon Draisaitl (21), Connor McDavid (18), and Evan Bouchard (15). They also have the postseason goals leader in Zach Hyman (9), with Draisaitl (8) close behind.

One big reason we like the Oilers to win their season is goalie Calvin Pickard (2.21 GA/G, .915 SV%). The veteran took over for 25-year-old Stuart Skinner (3.23 GA/G, .877 SV%), who struggled to begin this series. Skinner has held the Canucks to five goals on 59 shots. Given the team’s offensive talent, this kind of goalie play can be the difference between elimination and the Conference Finals.