The NHL regular season is finally over as the postseason begins tonight. Playoff hockey is one of my favorite times of the year as an NHL bettor. The energy and excitement from the players and crowd bring out the best hockey has to offer.

With that being said, let’s get into our best NHL Series Bets for Round 1.

NHL Series Bets

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The New York Rangers have had a terrific season. However, I still think they are a year away from really doing damage in the postseason. The NHL playoffs are a completely different animal than the regular season. Once the playoffs come, the intensity, energy, and physicality are all ramped up.

There is a significant gap in playoff experience between the Rangers and the Penguins. The Penguins have won three Stanley Cups with this core group of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. They have also made the playoffs for 16 straight seasons, extending their league-leading streak. They know what it takes to win in the playoffs.

The Rangers are full of young studs led by the best goalie in the NHL, Igor Shesterkin. However, playoff experience will play a massive role in this series. I expect the Pittsburgh Penguins to advance to the next round.

The Play: Pittsburgh Penguins Win Series (-105)

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the deepest rosters in the NHL. They have Auston Matthews, who won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, given to the leading goal scorer in the NHL. Toronto is loaded with offense having guys like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander also in the fold. After acquiring Marc Giordano from the Seattle Kraken, they added defense at the trade deadline. The Maple Leafs are ready to win now.

This season, the Lightning slightly took a step back after finishing in third place in the Atlantic Division behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. Tampa Bay is still an elite team, but I think the Leafs have the edge in this series and advance to the next round.

The Play: Toronto Maple Leafs Win Series (-120)

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