It’s no surprise that the Tampa Bay Lightning are an even money favorite to win the Stanley Cup. After that there are much less expensive NHL betting online alternatives. But the question remains whether any other team is a viable alternative. Tampa Bay won the Presidents Trophy as the NHL’s top team by a 21-point margin. Certainly, the defending champion Washington Capitals will draw their share of betting action. So too will the perceived perennial power Pittsburgh Penguins. Boston Bruins backers will be numerous as well. While the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a potential sleeper.
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference
Date and Time: April 10, 2019, through June, 2019
Location: Check Schedules
Eastern Conference NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG: Boston Bruins +605, Carolina Hurricanes +1250, Columbus Blue Jackets +950, New York Islanders +950, Pittsburgh Penguins +950, Tampa Bay Lighting EVEN, Toronto Maple Leafs +905, Washington Capitals +750
Stanley Cup Playoffs TV Coverage: NBC and NBCSN
Tampa Bay Lighting vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Tampa Bay has dominated the cashier’s cage in their NHL betting online series with Columbus. As an example, the Bolts have won 12 of their last 16 meetings with CBJ. Five of the last seven between these teams went under the total. Additionally, the Lightning have won 12 of their last 16 home games with the Blue Jackets. Tampa Bay has impressive NHL rankings of first for goal scoring and the power play. Along the same lines the Lighting rank seventh for goals against and first for the penalty kill.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
This is a rematch from last year’s playoffs in which Boston won in a thrilling seven game series. Late the Bruins have won four of their last five in this sportsbook series with Toronto. Only one of the last five in this series has gone under the total. Boston ranks an impressive third in the NHL for goals against. By contrast the Maple Leafs rank 20th for goals allowed.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Now Washington has bossed the payout window in their series with Carolina. To illuminate the Capitals have won 15 of their last 20 games against the Hurricanes. Extending Washington’s success is being the NHL’s fifth ranked goal scoring team. But the Caps rank 20th for goals against and 24th for the penalty kill. Carolina is tight defensively ranking eighth in the NHL for goals against.
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
On the whole this has been an even series with four wins by each team in the last eight meetings. Five of the last seven between these teams went under the total. Head coach Barry Trotz has engineered the NHL’s top ranked team for fewest goals allowed. Counter to that is Pittsburgh’s rank of 14th for goals allowed. Keep in mind The Isles have home ice advantage here.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation the Islanders could be a live NHL betting online dog against the Penguins. Pittsburgh may feel pressured against the suffocating New York defense. Meanwhile Columbus is over matched by Tampa Bay.
Eastern Conference Playoffs NHL Betting Online Picks
Overall the Islanders and Lightning offer the combination of value and ability.
NHL Betting Online Pick
New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning
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