The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are heading for the Second Round, and there are now just eight teams left with a chance to win the Stanley Cup. It was a thrilling and emotional First Round series, but it was one that didn’t see many upsets.
Most of the betting favorites in each conference have moved on, and that will set up a great showdown in the Second Round. There were a couple of series that moved to a Game 7 in Round 1, and that could happen again in these matchups.
Here is a four-team Stanley Cup Playoffs parlay that you should make when betting on the series winner of each matchup.
Eastern Conference
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The most highly-anticipated Second Round matchup will be in the Eastern Conference as the Florida Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida won the Presidents Trophy this season, and they are facing the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning.
The Panthers had a bit of trouble with the Washington Capitals in the First Round, but they eventually took over that series on the offensive end. Florida led the league with over four goals per game this season, but things get tighter in the playoffs. Learn more about NHL Parlay betting with the WhatAcca.com guide.
Tampa Bay stunned the Toronto Maple Leafs in the First Round, winning on the road in Game 7 to advance. The Lightning have not been as dominant this season, but they know how to win in the playoffs.
This series will likely go seven games, but it will be the Florida Panthers that survive and advance.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers
A pair of teams that won a Game 7 will meet up in the Second Round as the Carolina Hurricanes face off against the New York Rangers. Carolina got past Boston in Round 1, and New York was able to outlast the Penguins.
This should be a phenomenal series, even though the Hurricanes are pretty heavy betting favorites. New York has a ton of momentum after winning three straight games, and that team will be tough at home.
Carolina struggled with the Boston Bruins, and the Rangers are similar, but they are also better.
Take the Rangers in this series as they pull off the upset to move into the Eastern Conference Finals.
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues
The Colorado Avalanche swept the Nashville Predators in the First Round and will now face the St. Louis Blues. St. Louis upset the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference but are now facing a much bigger test.
The Blues don’t have the offense to keep up with the Avalanche, but they will look to slow down the pace in this game. St. Louis is going to be physical, and that could contain Colorado for stretches.
Colorado just has so many weapons on the ice at all times, and they won’t get upset in this game. The Avalanche won’t get another sweep, but they are moving on to the Western Conference Finals. If you are looking for an alternative sports bet, why not learn more about MLB Parlays.
Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers will do battle in Canada in what should be an excellent series. Calgary had to survive a huge challenge from the Dallas Stars, and the Oilers barely got past the Los Angeles Kings.
The Flames have the edge in goaltending in this series with Jacob Markstrom, but the Oilers are the better offensive team. Edmonton has two superstars in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Calgary had the better regular season, but this is the time for Edmonton to make a big move. Look for the Oilers to win this series, but it’s another that could go seven games.
