The NHL Playoffs Continue on Thursday

The online betting experts are anxious to get the second round of the NHL playoffs underway and the league is ready to oblige. This condensed season also has a condensed playoff schedule that is probably going to take a toll on some of the teams as the postseason moves forward. The physical play in both conferences indicates that some teams may simply wear themselves out before they even get to the conference finals. Other teams who are used to the grind are at an advantage and should take full advantage of their opportunities.

On Thursday, the betting sites get to see the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins finally get their series underway. Both the Rangers and the Bruins had to play a game seven in the first round of the playoffs and that could have an effect on the pace of the game. The Los Angeles Kings are already up 1-0 on the San Jose Sharks, but the Sharks are looking to tie the series with a win on Thursday. This should be a good night for hockey fans who love the physical kind of hockey that dominates the NHL playoffs.

Thursday – New York Rangers @ Boston Bruins (Series tied 0-0)

The sportsbook experts are not quite sure what to make of this series as it prepares to get underway. The Bruins will have the nod as the favorite because Boston has home ice advantage. But the New York Rangers are feeling extremely confident after their win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. After only one day off, the Rangers may have a large dose of momentum to bring with them to this game.

The Boston Bruins are happy that goaltender Tuukka Rask has performed well to this point and the team hopes that Rask can stay focused. But the start that Rask had to game seven against the Maple Leafs could be a precursor as to what the Bruins can expect as Boston gets ready to take on a very determined New York Rangers team.

Pick: New York Rangers

Thursday – San Jose Sharks @ Los Angeles Kings – (Los Angeles leads series 1-0)

The Los Angeles Kings came out of game one in this series with a shutout win and it was a team effort more than anything else. But Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick still has the ability to steal a game all by himself and that is probably what will happen in this game. No matter how hard the Sharks pushed in game one, they could not get the puck past the Los Angeles defense and Quick. In game two, Quick will be the primary problem for the Kings.

The San Jose Sharks figure that this will be the last season for players such as Joe Thornton, which is why the team desperately wants to win the Cup. But that desperation is going to be tempered by the even-headed play of the Los Angeles Kings.

Pick: Los Angeles Kings