2020 NHL Western Conference Playoffs First Round Betting Odds, Analysis and Picks

Last week we were reminded of how the NHL Playoffs stand apart. When the NHL Hub teams were announced the 12^th seeds were sneered at. Chicago was that last team invited in the West. Owing to their four-game win over Edmonton in the qualifier round was a stark reminder. In the NHL Playoffs, there are absolutely no hockey betting locks. With that in mind, the four Western Conference series offers tremendous matchups. Accordingly, the public sees Vegas and Colorado as best in the West. Oddsmakers have jacked up prices on both teams in response to public demand.

2020 Western Conference First Round Series – All Series Best of Seven

Calgary continues to outperform its metrics. Winnipeg learned just how tough the Flames are in the qualifier round. Specifically, Calgary scored a dominant four-game top online sportsbook win over the Jets. Dallas was a lethargic 1-2 in the round-robin format of the top four seeds. Of great concern for the Stars is their lack of scoring. Dallas is one of the strongest defensive teams in hockey. Calgary does not do any one thing well. Yet the Flames show no real weaknesses either. Center Sean Monahan ignited the Flames with two goals, four assists and a plus-four.

Immediately the Blackhawks showed their past Stanley Cup pedigree against Edmonton. Chicago’s four-game betting on hockey win over the Oilers was no fluke. “Captain Serious” Jonathan Toews looked five years younger with an outstanding performance. To show he had four goals with three assists. But the Golden Knights look like the best team in the Western Conference. Vegas is well balanced and toyed with opponents in the round-robin. Namely Mark Stone was on fire with two goals and three assists in round-robin action.

Last week the Coyotes dealt with the desertion of their general manager. Arizona faced a pesky Predators team in the qualifier round. Coach Rick Tocchet held the Desert Dogs together for a four-game NHL betting win over Nashville. It was the first playoff series win for the Yotes in eight years. More emphatically goaltender Darcy Kemper was first rate with a .933 save percentage. Now the stakes are raised against an Avalanche team that may the West’s most talented club.

Colorado was 2-1 in the round-robin and showed superior skill. Center Nazem Kadri had a goal with three assists in round-robin play. Right-wing Mikko Rantanen added four assists and a plus-three for the Avalanche,

Following a game, one loss to Minnesota the Canucks stormed back to win the next three. Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes dominated with one goal and five assists. Further help came from center Bo Horvath with two goals and two assists. Correlate the significance of Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Against the Wild he posted a .926 save percentage, 2.27 goals-against average, with one shutout.   Of great concern was the sloppy Blues round-robin performance. St. Louis lost all three round-robin matchups.

NHL Western Conference Playoffs CashBet Free Picks

In this situation the Canucks combine good price with ability. Vancouver faces a St. Louis team that may have lost its championship edge. In like manner capable Calgary has a winnable Betting NHL series against punchless Dallas. Vegas and Colorado are overpriced. Both should win but a loss would bust bankrolls. Sharps may treat those series game by game. Also factoring there is the possibility of live betting.

Western Conference Playoffs CashBet Best Bets: Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames