Friday night’s action in the NHL gave us some insight into the first found hockey betting options. We learned a little more about how these series are shaping out. Throw in the intriguing Saturday matchups and we’ve got some angles on the series prices that some hockey odds shops are offering. Here are some 2017 NHL playoff betting picks worth jumping on.
2017 NHL Playoff Betting Picks – First Round Series
Ottawa Senators +330
I LOVE this NHL pick because of the incredible value. It’s not like the Bruins are a top tier team. Ottawa played well for most of the game one loss. Now they’re scheduled to get heart and soul defenseman Marc Methot back, a real game-changer for them. If they tie it up Saturday afternoon then this is a great pick moving forward.
Chicago Blackhawks +110
Yes, the Predators won the opening game in Chicago. But that’s why we play seven games. The cream always rises to the top and the Blackhawks are cream. The fact that they’re slight underdogs at the moment is tremendous e value.
Montreal Canadiens -105
Montreal outplayed New York in most of the seven periods that have been played in this series to date. The Rangers are not a very good home team. This series has all the makings of a Montreal win, and to get them at only -105 is great value.
San Jose Sharks -120
The Sharks lost Friday night in Edmonton and are now even in their series versus the young Oilers. But keep in mind that elite player Joe Thornton hasn’t played yet in this series due to injury. We expect him to suit up when this series shifts back to California for game three. Winning a game on the road without Big Joe was a bonus. So the Sharks are still looking good to win this series.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.