The first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs is flying by, as each series is already set to begin their Game 3 at the very least. That means each one has switched venues, giving the teams that have been on the road thus far even more hope. So, let’s take a look at how things have played out thus far and provide an NHL playoffs update.
NHL playoffs update: Metropolitan’s best take commanding leads
There is no shortage of divisional rivalries featured in the first round, including the Edmonton Oilers taking on the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round for the third straight season. However, it has been the two Metropolitan Division matchups that have stolen the headlines.
The Carolina Hurricanes remain the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, but they were scared in Game 2 against the New York Islanders, going down three goals. Despite that, they pulled off the comeback to get a 2-0 series lead.
Similarly, the New York Rangers have exerted the expected dominance over the Washington Capitals, who by most metrics, shouldn’t have even made the postseason. Much has been made about the Artemi Panarin hit on TJ Oshie, but otherwise, it’s been all Rangers in this series.
Most of the Eastern Conference has been much of the same, with the Florida Panthers also out to a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning following the first overtime game of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.
NHL playoffs update: Best bet on Panthers vs Lightning over 5.5 games (+115)
Speaking of that Panthers vs Lightning series, that’s where we’re focused on our best bet now that we’ve seen some action this postseason. This Atlantic Division and in-state rivalry is a classic, and the Panthers have been getting their revenge thus far.
However, the Lightning will be back on home ice in Tampa, where the crowd will be electric. That’s been the case for a handful of years after four straight Stanley Cup Final appearances, and this may be the last run with this core of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy all together.
Florida looks set to win the series, but Tampa can absolutely make it more competitive than the 2-0 series score currently looks. They lost each of the first two games on the road by just a single goal, and as mentioned, the most recent one took overtime to decide.
These situations are where experience comes into play, and the Lightning have that in spades. An elite goaltender certainly helps, so we see this series going to six or more games.
Best Bet: Panthers vs Lightning over 5.5 Games (+115)
NHL playoffs update: Longshot bet on Jets to win the Western Conference (+700)
We’re already getting some great plus-money odds with our best bet, but if you’re interested in an even greater payout, consider taking the Winnipeg Jets to win the Western Conference. They’ve been doubted since making the playoffs, as they were underdogs against the Colorado Avalanche despite earning home ice in the series.
They won a 7-6 Game 1 thriller but fell in Game 2 by a final score of 5-2. Despite the series being 1-1, we aren’t overly concerned, as we don’t expect them to continue allowing so many goals. Netminder Connor Hellebuyck is the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy for a reason, and Winnipeg allowed the fewest goals per game throughout this season.
Better yet, they dominated the Avs in that regard in their three regular-season matchups, winning them by final scores of 4-2, 6-2 and 7-0. If they can win this series, they'll avoid playing Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, which bodes well for them. It’s still a tough road no matter what, but for a longshot bet, we’d consider backing the Jets representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final.
Longshot bet: Jets to win the Western Conference (+700)
