NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Schedule, Series Betting Odds

The NHL Stanley Cup playoff schedule has now been finalized the first round, with postseason action set to begin on Saturday.

As in previous years, the first round features 16 teams competing in best-of-seven series. The opening slate features division winners and wild-card teams, with several high-profile matchups. Here’s a quick look at what to expect when the puck drops for some NHL betting.

Broadcast Coverage

U.S. coverage of the first round will again be split between ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports, with streaming available via ESPN+ and Max. Canadian coverage will air across Sportsnet and CBC platforms.

The schedule creates near-continuous viewing for fans, with games spread throughout the afternoon and evening almost every night of the week.

First-Round Matchups and Game 1 Details

Below is a breakdown of each confirmed first-round series, including Game 1 information and current series odds (consensus market estimates from leading sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365):

Eastern Conference

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators
  • Game 1: April 18, 7 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • Series Odds: Hurricanes (-180), Senators (+150)
• Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins
  • Game 1: April 18, 7:30 p.m. ET – TNT
  • Series Odds: Sabres (-135), Bruins (+115)
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Game 1: April 19, 7 p.m. ET – ESPN2
  • Series Odds: Lightning (-160), Canadiens (+140)
• Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
  • Game 1: April 18, 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • Series Odds: Penguins (-150), Flyers (+130)

Western Conference

• Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings
  • Game 1: April 19, 3 p.m. ET – TNT (also airing on truTV, HBO Max)
  • Series Odds: Avalanche (-200), Kings (+170)
• Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks
  • Game 1: April 18, 10 p.m. ET – ESPN
  • Series Odds: Oilers (-210), Ducks (+180)
• Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild
  • Game 1: April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET – TNT
  • Series Odds: Stars (-145), Wild (+125)
• Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth
  • Game 1: April 19, 10 p.m. ET – ESPN (also airing on SN, CBC, TVAS)
  • Series Odds: Golden Knights (-165), Mammoth (+145)

Betting Outlook for the First Round

Early betting markets reflect a clear tier of contenders, with teams like Colorado and Edmonton entering the postseason as heavy favorites in their respective matchups. These squads not only secured strong regular-season finishes but also bring elite offensive firepower into the playoffs.

In the Eastern Conference, the Hurricanes and Lightning are similarly positioned as favorites, though several series, particularly Sabres-Bruins and Penguins-Flyers, could be highly competitive with tighter odds showing this potential.

From a wagering perspective, first-round series often present value opportunities tied to matchup styles, goaltending form, and special teams. Bettors will also monitor line movement following Game 1 results, which can significantly shift series prices.