Our NHL odds picks to kick off the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs didn’t start on the best of feet, going 2-2 during Tuesday night’s games.
The Lightning proved that they aren’t ready to relinquish their title as the team to beat in Florida and the NHL, while the Avalanche needed overtime to get past the Blues.
Wednesday night brings one of the more extraordinary events you’ll find in hockey: The Battle of Alberta between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames meeting in the playoffs for the first time in 31 years.
Meanwhile in the East, the New York Rangers fresh off a Game 7 overtime thriller to get past the Pittsburgh Penguins head to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes.
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NHL Odds, Picks: May 18
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. ET
- Game 1
- Watch on ESPN
- Full series preview
While the Rangers played an experienced Penguins team that, as underdogs, pushed them to the limit, the Hurricanes are in their prime and considered a top-three team in the East.
There’s no denying that both these teams can find the back of the net, but the Hurricanes have the obvious advantage on the blue line.
They allowed just 2.86 goals per game during the season while the Rangers yielded over four.
Igor Shesterkin is the great equalizer, of course — the Rangers goalie garnering Vezina and Hart Trophy consideration this season.
However, he looked plenty beatable at times during the first round against Pittsburgh, which is something to keep an eye on despite a stellar performance in Game 7.
The Hurricanes were undefeated at home during the first round, allowing just six goals in four games against the Boston Bruins in Carolina.
NHL Odds and The Pick:
Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames, 9:30 p.m. ET
- Game 1
- Watch on ESPN
- Full series preview
Pick your matchup and it’s sure to be a dandy: McDavid vs. Gaudreau, Draisaitl vs. Tkachuk, Kane vs. Lindholm.
It’s a top-tier offensive showdown in the Battle of Alberta, the first time these two bitter rivals are facing each other in the playoffs since 1991.
The hope though is that both of these attacks can meet their potential because they certainly did not in the first round.
Calgary was stymied by Jake Oettinger and the Stars scoring more than two goals just twice in the series.
Meanwhile, Edmonton had five games of four or more goals, including an eight spot in Game 3. But they had problems keeping the low-scoring Kings under wraps.
The Flames will present a completely different challenge against a shoddy Oilers defense.
NHL Odds and The Pick:
