Stanley Cup bets: NHL Western Conference first-round betting preview

Now, we dig in.

Odds are courtesy of DraftKings.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Winnipeg Jets

• First game: Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
• Odds to win series: Colorado (-135) | Winnipeg (+115)
• Regular season head-to-head record: Winnipeg won 3-0

Betting thoughts on Avalanche-Jets

Winnipeg is heading into the big dance on a scorcher, winners of eight straight games. The Jets arguably have one of, if not the best goalie in the conference in Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck is second in the NHL in save percentage this season and fourth in goals against average.

Winnipeg, as you can see above, also has had Colorado's number, winning all three matchups including a 7-0 beat down just a few days ago.

The Avalanche have some of the best players in the entire league and on their side and are just a year removed from the Stanley Cup, but they have been loose defensively this season.

I really am not happy about this draw for the Avs, as I have a future on them winning the West. I think, however, that the clear value is on Winnipeg to win this series. The Jets have home ice, which could be the difference when you consider Colorado is 31-10 at home and just 19-22 on the road.

Hellebuyck is the type of goaltender who can carry a team far in the postseason, with the one disclaimer being that he has been a bit looser of late. 

My early round betting approach: Bet the home team to win every game of this series.

Series future to consider: Winnipeg to win series (+115).

Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks

• First game: Sunday, 10 p.m. ET
• Odds to win series: Vancouver (-150) | Nashville (+130)
• Regular season head-to-head record: Vancouver won 3-0

Betting thoughts on Predators-Canucks

This is a tough series to get a read on for me. Vancouver started out red-hot as the best team in the league this season, and faltered a bit down the stretch. If Thatcher Demko is healthy and secure between the pipes, the Canucks certainly have the pieces to make a run here.

On the other hand, Nashville went on an outrageous run a few weeks ago to firmly secure their spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Juuse Saros is capable of big games in net, and the star power of Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi should be able to take some games.

I really just don't know which way this series goes, but my gut tells me to take the underdogs in Nashville to advance.

I think this could be the type of game that sees the home team win most of the games, like I mentioned with Avs-Jets. I'll be looking to Vancouver props at the beginning of this series and then taking it from there.

My early round betting approach: Tread lightly, but find some Vancouver player props early.

Series future to consider: Series to go 7 games (+205).

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars

• First game: Monday, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Odds to win series: Dallas (-140) | Vegas (+120)
• Regular season head-to-head record: Vegas won 3-0

Betting thoughts on Knights-Stars

We've got the defending champs in Vegas with their new pieces in Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin started to gel well with the rest of the core. The Knights certainly have the offensive firepower to take this one, especially if their power play continues to pick up steam as it has done in the past two weeks.

The issue I see for a repeat Cup bid out of Vegas is just how deep this Dallas team is. Jake Oettinger is the wild card in net, he had a rough spell there earlier this season, but has most definitely righted the ship of late, allowing two or fewer goals in 10 of his past 11 starts.

With Oettinger on, I don't know who tops the forward depth the Stars have. It's a tough draw, but Dallas is one of my favorites out of this conference.

My early round betting approach: Don't really love this series for player props at first glance, but likely will find some Dallas point props to load up.

Series future to consider: Dallas to win series (-140).

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers

• First game: Monday, 10 p.m. ET
• Odds to win series: Edmonton (-190) | Los Angeles (+160)
• Regular season head-to-head record: Edmonton won 3-1

Betting thoughts on Kings-Oilers

When are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl getting over the hump? With solid goaltending all season, this year could very well be the year, and considering they're favorites to come out of the West, the betting public would seem to agree this is a great chance for the Oilers to snap the Canadian curse with the Stanley Cup.

I'm all for more McDavid this postseason and would love to see them make a deep run. All things considered, this is the more favorable draw they could have, avoiding teams like Dallas and Colorado until the Western Conference Finals.

The Kings to me just have been a boring team all year and one I don't believe in.

Early on, the under seems to be the play. Both teams are tight to shots allowed, and both have been more profitable toward the under in their respective locations for these first two games in Edmonton. That, coupled with the four meetings this seasona veraging 5.0 goals per game is likely charting my path on the game totals here.

My early round betting approach: Consider taking the game unders.

Series future to consider: Edmonton to win Game 1 & Series (+105)