NHL Playoffs: Second Round Overview And NHL Wagering Markets
Published April 30, 2019 by Sol FH
The 2018/19 NHL Playoffs are racing ahead full throttle as second round action continues tonight at 00:00 GMT.
It's the fastest game on ice and one of the most action-packed playoff competitions in the world of sports altogether. NHL hockey is the big show, and, punters know that it can be quite profitable if one plays their "cards" right. There are eight teams left, battling for a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup and drink from it, as winning teams have done since it was commissioned in 1892. To get to the finals though is another story and only two of this year's playoff teams will do it. Who will it be? Let's look at who's left and their chances of making history.
Round 2
Bruins vs. Blue Jackets
The Boston Bruins are tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-1 after their first two games of the series. The Bruins won the first game in OT at home 3-2, but they lost the second home game 3-2, this time in double OT. To say that these teams have been a highlight of this year's playoffs would be an understatement. Game 3 gets started tonight at 00:00 and Columbus now have the home-ice advantage.
bet365 Sports likes the Blue Jackets at home tonight at 1.83 to win. The Bruins are playing well but need to turn it up a notch. Both teams are tired after reaching three OT periods over the first two matches combined, and it will be a matter of who wants it more that decides it.
Avalanche vs. Sharks
Another big series of Round 2 between two teams that were on different sides of the winner's circle in the Regular Season. The Sharks finished the year in the Pacific Division in second place with 101 Pts and a win/loss of 46-27-9. The Avalanche finished the Regular Season with 90-points and a record of 38-30-14. Colorado destroyed the best Flames team that Calgary had put together in years, and needed only five games to do it. The Sharks, on the other hand, went the full 7-games against the Golden Nights, winning 5-4 in OT. The Avalanche are well-rested and ready to upset another team. Surprisingly, the Avalanche are favored to win at bet365 Sports at 1.83, while the Sharks are at 2.00.
Hurricanes vs. Islanders
Carolina jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the series, and the New York Islanders need to do everything they can to get back in the competition. This will be even harder now that the Canes are back at home for Games 3 and 4. The Hurricanes, last Stanley Cup win, was in 2006, while the Islanders previous time was during their Dynasty Period when they won four Stanley Cups in consecutive seasons from 1980-1983. Those times were different times, but, the Islanders 19 successive series wins during that period is an achievement that has not been beaten, in any sport since then.
History aside, the Islanders are in a tough situation, and the Hurricanes should be able to put the remaining nails in the coffin. bet365 Sports likes the Hurricanes in Game 3 at 1.80 while New York is at 2.05.
Blues vs. Stars
The last series on the agenda is between St. Louis and Dallas, who finished 3rd and 4th place in the Central Division respectively. The Blues lead 2-1, and Game 4 is on Thursday Night at 2:30 GMT. The Stars are favorites in Game 4 at 1.83, but, the smart bet is on the Blues at 2.00.
