NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Preview

The most intense time of the year for sports fans starts Wednesday—the NHL playoffs. The top NHL handicapping site previews 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs from the standpoint of beating the NHL odds.

Philadelphia-Pittsburgh

The Flyers are 16-40 in their last 56 road games against an opponent with a home winning percentage of .600 or better. The Penguins enter the postseason on a 16-5 overall run and they are 45-18 in their last 63 home games versus an opponent with a losing road record.

NY Rangers-Washington

The Rangers are 35-80-6 in their last 121 road games against teams home winning percentage of .600 or better. However, they are 8-1 in their last nine Conference Quarterfinals games.

The Capitals are 41-18 in their last 59 to the Eastern Conference, but 9-24 in their last 33 following a loss of three or more goals.

Carolina-New Jersey

The Hurricanes are 8-1 against the Atlantic. The Devils are 74-36-6 on three or more days rest, but 1-7 in their last eight against teams with a winning record.

Columbus-Detroit

The Blue Jackets are 90-222-15 in their last 327 road games. The Red Wings are 111-32-10 at home versus an opponent with a road winning percentage of .400 or less. They do enter on a 2-6 overall skid. Detroit is 36-14-1 in the series.

Montreal-Boston

Montreal is 1-6 against the Northeast. Boston is 43-16 against the Eastern Conference.

Calgary-Chicago

The Flames are 7-0 on three days rest, but 1-7 in their last eight after allowing two goals or less. The Black Hawks are on a 6-1 overall run. The road team has won 8-of-10 in the series.

Anaheim-San Jose

The Ducks are 10-3 in their last 13 overall. San Jose is 41-12 in their last 53 home games.