Eastern Conference play in the Second Round of Stanley Cup Playoffs gets going today. Conference favourites Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins are squaring off in one series. We knew at one point the Lightning and Bruins would likely meet up, but who knew these favourites would meet only in the second round.
While, the Philadelphia Flyers, the favourites entering the first round of the playoffs, play the underdog New York Islanders. The Flyers have slipped a bit with oddsmakers after their performance against the Montreal Canadiens. With people tending to go with the underdog in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, why not make a play or two on the Islanders.
Western Conference Second Round Betting Odds
Odds Courtesy of SportsInteraction.com
Tampa Bay Lightning (2) vs Boston Bruins (4)
The battle of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference comes to us quicker than many would have liked. The Lightning enter Game 1 as a slight favourite at -132. Clearly the oddsmakers are seeing this as a pick’em series. Boston and Tampa Bay were the best two teams in the Atlantic Division and had some spirited bouts during the regular season. While both needed five games to dispose of their respective first-round opponents, the Bruins had an easier time than the Lightning. Tampa Bay played what felt like a nine-game series against the Columbus Blue Jackets after that five-overtime marathon in Game 1.
It is no surprise the Lightning and Bruins are in this position. However, some thought the way the Carolina Hurricanes and Blue Jackets were playing, upsets were in the making. Think again as the cream always rises to the top. And both teams have the grit and determination to win the Stanley Cup. The Lightning seem to finally know what it takes to win. Their third line of Blake Coleman, Yanni Gourde, and Barclay Goodrow is a prime example of that the way they grind on the ice.
These teams met two years ago in the playoffs, so there is a revenge factor in this series as well. For Boston, they are playing well in front of Jaroslav Halak. Their perfection line is clicking and not only that but the Bruins are getting the depth scoring they desperately needed. But it is the Lightning’s willingness to stick to the game plan and not cheat when times are tough in a game that is really impressive. This is really a toss-up series.
Official bet: Lightning to win -132
Philadelphia Flyers (1) vs New York Islanders (6)
Here is where things get interesting. The Islanders come in having taken care of the Washington Capitals in five games. And realistically it should have been a sweep. Anthony Beauvillier continues to play outstanding hockey especially in series-clinching games with four goals.
The Flyers, on the other hand, needed six games to eliminate the Canadiens. And realistically if it was not for the play of Carter Hart in Games 1, 3, and 4, the Canadiens probably are winning the series. Montreal was the better team in the series.
Entering Game 1 of the series Monday night, the Flyers are the favourite at -124. But do not count out these Islanders especially with a number at +104. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was 1987. And with these two teams being in the same division, they are familiar with each other.
If Hart was the story for the Flyers in Round 1, then the offensive output was the story for the Islanders in Round 1. Not to mention that Seymon Varlamov has turned back the clock with the way he is playing. You got to expect the Flyers top line to start scoring at, but with the way the Isles’ defence is neutralizing top players, it will be a difficult task.
It is hard not to pick the Flyers, but their play is not reflective of what a favourite should be. The true favourite in this series is the Islanders. With their utter domination of the Capitals, it was another example of why a team like the Islanders should not be underestimated.
Official bet: Islanders to win at +104 and to end the series in seven games at +501.
Eastern Conference Winner Betting Odds
Lastly, with the Second Round here the odds have been updated on who will represent the Eastern Conference from the remaining four teams. The safe pick is either the Lightning at +180 or the Bruins at +225. But one of the favourites will be going home after this round. The real money lies with the Flyers at +300 or Islanders at +450. The Islanders are always the forgotten team, but they have value if you were paying attention.
While the East may be Boston’s or Tampa Bay’s to lose, why not ride a long shot with the Islanders at +450.
The choice is yours and yours alone. But we are here to guide through this difficult process. Again this is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing guaranteed, and please enjoy responsibly.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
