NHL playoff picks – Second-round capsules and picks
The first round of playoff hockey betting proved just how exciting – and difficult to predict – the Stanley Cup odds truly are. To navigate the stormy waters known as NHL lines in these playoffs, you need the expertise of BetOnline’s Don Melrose, who correctly picked seven of eight series winners in the first round. Click on the links below for his round-two Stanley Cup betting picks.
NHL playoff picks: Round-two NHL lines
Blackhawks vs Canucks odds: The stage is set for plenty of bad blood in this series, as their final regular season meeting ended in a wild brawl. We know Roberto Luongo will be a wall in goal, but can the Sedin twins prove they’re ready for prime time against the Seabrook, Barker and the rest of the Hawks stellar defense corps?
Ducks vs Red Wings odds: The Ducks played the role of Giant Killer in the first round, ousting the Stanley Cup odds favorite San Jose Sharks. Can lightning strike twice against the Red Wings odds? The experienced Wings are a much greater challenge, as playoff hockey doesn’t scare them and they have the most versatile group of forwards in hockey betting.
Penguins vs Capitals odds: The series every NHL betting fan has dreamed of since the lockout ended is finally here. Crosby vs Ovechkin, Ovechkin vs Malkin, Crosby vs Semin – however you break down this hockey betting series, there are major personal rivalries involved. If the Caps want to elevate their game to a new level, rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov must continue to overachieve and Mike Green has to be better at both ends of the ice.
Hurricanes vs Bruins odds: Both teams will hit to hurt in this series, which should be one of the closest of all the second-round NHL lines. The big, fast Hurricane forwards wreaked havoc on the tiny Devils defense in round one, but the Bruins odds look a bit better with hulking Zdeno Chara standing in Eric Staal’s way.
