2009 NHL Playoffs
Hockey jumps to the forefront of the betting world, as the NHL playoffs begin on Wednesday. Like most sports, hockey betting will increase now that the playoffs are here, as more people are likely to wager on hockey now that the games are more meaningful. The fact that a number of games will be televised certainly add to that.
There are some good first-round matches in this year's playoffs, although that doesn't always make for good betting opportunities, especially with seven of the first eight playoff series having the odds drop on the favorites.
We'll look at the first round match-ups and series prices.
Eastern Conference
Boston -320 over Montreal +260 The Bruins opened at -425 and have dropped quite a bit, as Montreal has had their number over the years. Still, it's hard to go against a Bruins team that was 29-12 at home, especially with Montreal being just 17-24 on the road.
While I'd love to make a case for the Canadians, I can't go against a team with seven 20-goal scorers, making it nearly impossible to shut down.
No wager. Bruins in six games
Washington -230 over New York Rangers +190
The initial line at The Greek Sportsbook was Washington -405, so clearly the Rangers have been getting a good amount of play. This is one of those times I can see the public being on the right side. The bad news is that nearly all value has been erased by those wanting to back the Rangers.
The Rangers have a huge advantage with Henrik Lundqvist and get the experience nod, but nearly everything else points to Washington.
I could see taking a small shot on the Rangers at the earlier prices of +275 or +260, but wouldn't take anything under +200, which is where they are at right now.
No wager. Capitals in seven games.
New Jersey -115 over Carolina -105
The Hurricanes are the sexy upset prediction for the first round and the odds have dropped from New Jersey -135 to the current odds of Devils -115.
Yes, the Hurricanes won three of four games from New Jersey this year and have eliminated the Devils from the playoffs twice this decade, but I believe the Devils are the right side here.
There's a perception that New Jersey struggled down the stretch, which they did to some extent, but they did win four of their last five games.
Carolina played well down the stretch, but as history has shown, that means nothing once the playoffs start. It was just three years ago that the Devils took a 15-game winning streak into the second round of the playoffs against these same Hurricanes and were bounced in five games.
But this is a different New Jersey team now and the price is right on the favorite.
Devils -115. New Jersey in six games.
Pittsburgh Penguins -160 over Philadelphia +135
The battle of Pennsylvania is one of the more intriguing first-round match-ups, as the two teams are fairly evenly matched. A loss on the last day of the season by the Flyers gave the Pens home ice advantage and the odds jumped from Pittsburgh -130 to the current -160.
Pittsburgh has played well since Dan Blysma took over as coach and are the defending Eastern Conference champions, so they won't be easy to defeat, but the Flyers are capable of stealing the series.
Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are overlooked when compared to Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin, but the talent difference between the two pairs isn't as great as many believe.
No wager. Pittsburgh in seven games.
Western Conference
San Jose Sharks -280 over Anaheim Ducks +230
You would think after winning the President's Cup the Sharks would get an easy first-round match-up, but that isn't the case. Anaheim is one of those teams you would like to avoid in the playoffs, as they're an experienced bunch and have two of the top defensemen in the game.
Jonas Hiller will likely get the initial start for the Ducks, but will be on a short leash, as JS Giguere will go in at the first sign of trouble.
If the odds were higher I could see taking a small stab on the Ducks, but there really isn't any value there.
No wager. Sharks in seven games.
Detroit Red Wings -525 over Columbus +405
The Red Wings are the largest first-round favorite and it's hard not to like a Ken Hitchcock team at those odds, especially with Steve Mason in the nets. But there's a reason Detroit is such a large favorite and that is they're simply the best team in the West.
The Red Wings played uninspired hockey during much of the year, but expect to see them turn it up a notch now that the playoffs are here.
Chris Osgood may not steal any games this post-season, but then again, he probably won't have to, at least in this series.
Columbus has played well against Detroit this season and I don't expect them to roll over, but believe they'll fall short.
There's no point in taking Detroit at those prices, however.
No wager. Detroit in five games.
Vancouver Canucks -220 over St. Louis +190
Another series where the underdog would be worth a shot if there were slightly better odds, but I can't take the Blues at anything less than +240, which isn't going to happen.
Neither team has a lot of playoff experience, which I believe will help a younger St. Louis team that was solid the second half of the season.
Luongo still has something to prove in the playoffs and it will be intersting to see how he fares here.
No wager. Canucks in seven games.
Chicago -155 over Calgary Flames +130
This could be one of the best series of the first round, as Chicago's youth movement takes on the more experienced, but banged-up Calgary Flames.
I'd give the nod to Chicago, as Miikka Kiprusoff has played like a goalie who is worn down a bit, which isn't surprising considering his workload this season.
Nikolai Khabibulin has a history of doing well against Calgary and expect that to continue here.
No wager. Chicago in six games.
Just one series wager, which is New Jersey, but we'll have plenty of games to wager on once things get underway.
