NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Money Line Picks for Each Series

The 2012 NHL playoffs begin tonight, meaning bettors must get their final wagers in for some series odds before players take the ice and play begins.

Let’s take a look at the money lines and make some predictions for each of the eight matchups.

Flyers +190 over Penguins

This series is bound to go to seven games and either side could realistically win.

It’s a battle for Pennsylvania and the edge goes to the Philadelphia this time. It all comes down to Ilya Brzygalov continuing his solid play as of late.

Should he be able to keep the Penguins from scoring, the Flyers will be able to overcome this incredibly difficult opening series. 

Red Wings -105 over Predators

These teams split the season series with three wins apiece. Detroit is more established and has more experience than Nashville, which will come in extremely handy in what is likely to be another seven-game thriller.

Jonathan Ericsson must build on his stellar penalty killing that began when he returned from injury in March.

Canucks -230 over Kings

Vancouver is prone to lackadaisical play and defensive lapses at times, but it will show up for the playoffs focused and ready to go.

That’s all the Canucks will need against an L.A. team that is lacking a true identity.

Rangers -230 over Senators

New York is a favorite to win Lord Stanley’s Cup, but Ottawa will test the Rangers early. Look for this to be a tough series early on, with the Rangers breaking it open and winning in six.

Bruins -225 over Capitals

The Capitals were in danger of missing the postseason while the Bruins had the highest scoring differential in hockey.

Boston is simply the better team and will have no problem dismantling Washington as it begins its title defense.

Blues -160 over Sharks

St. Louis may be the hottest team in the NHL right now and shouldn’t have an issue knocking off San Jose, a fan-favorite underdog.

The Blues won all four games of their regular-season series and will close this opening round out quickly.

Coyotes +110 over Blackhawks

Chicago is just two years past its Stanley Cup victory but has little hope of hoisting it once again in 2012.

Phoenix has won its division for the first time in franchise history and is going to work on building upon that success with a first-round victory over the Blackhawks.

Devils -200 over Panthers

New Jersey may be the lower seed here, but it is a vastly superior squad and the odds reflect that.

Florida has no chance of upsetting these Devils, who are looking ready to make a serious Stanley Cup run.