Three 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Previews and Predictions

Can the Capitals finally make it past the first rounds of the playoffs? Can Ottawa break the tie on Beantown ice? Will the Flames make it out of their series against the Ducks of Anaheim? Here are three 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round predictions.

Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs

• When: Monday, April 17, 2017, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
• Moneyline: Capitals -155 vs Maple Leafs +135
• Over/Under: 5.5

Analysis: The Capitals are suddenly not looking like the Goliath they appeared to be, after facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. Game 2 went to Toronto as the series moves on the road to Leaf’s territory. Capitals Goalie Braden Holtby has allowed six goals in two games, but should be able to recover even after a tough loss. Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and T.J. Oshie have been relatively quiet, but they can jumpstart at any point, especially on power play opportunities. The Leafs have also lost top defenseman Roman Polak which could open more opportunities for Washington’s top guns. Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen has defended the pipes well, making 47 saves on 50 shots faced in Game 2 and at least 40 saves in each of the past two games. At home during the regular season, Andersen went went 17-10-7 with a 2.61 GAA and .917 SV% in 35 starts.

Betting Trends: Washington is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games; Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.

Prediction: Washington wins 3-2.

Ottawa Senators vs Boston Bruins

• When: April 17, 2017, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: TD Garden
• Moneyline: Bruins -162 vs Senators +146
• Over/Under: 5

Analysis: Boston’s home ice has been brutal for the Bruins. Which sort of paints black having won home advantage tied one game a piece in the series. Throw in the fact that the Senators are 5-1 over the regular season and the playoffs against Boston and it’s not looking too good for the Bruins. Kyle Turris (27 G, 28 A), Mike Hoffman (26 G, 35 A), and Erik Karlsson (17 G, 54 A) weren’t too much of a factor in the second game, but in Boston they could end up doing well. If the Bruins offense cannot pick things up, it’s going to be a long night for Bruin goalie Tuuka Rask, who is 1-4-1 when facing Ottawa this year.

Betting Trends: Ottawa is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games; Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

Predictions: Ottawa wins 3-2

Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames

• When: Monday, April 17, 2017, 10:00 PM ET
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Moneyline Flames -126 vs Ducks +114
• Over/Under: 5

Analysis: It’s not looking pretty for the Flames even if they are heading home. The Ducks have jumped ahead to 2-0 in the series and look solid to end things at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Anaheim is 5-1 over their last six trips to Canada where Ryan Getzlaf could continue his hot streak along with Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry jumping to life. Flames goalie Brian Elliott seems to struggle against the Ducks only winning one game in 14 starts against Anaheim.

Betting Trends: Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games; Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games.

Game Prediction: Ducks win 4-2.