NHL Playoffs Round One - Jeff Sunday's Best Bet

I’m not sure there has ever been a team more due to win a Stanley Cup than the Carolina Hurricanes. Under coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes have made seven (7) consecutive playoffs appearances. In those seven years, they’ve reached the Conference Finals three (3) times, including twice in the last three years. Both recent trips have resulted in losses to the big, bad Florida Panthers. Well guess who isn’t in the playoffs this year…that’s right, the Panthers.

No excuses for Carolina not to make a Cup appearance now, right? Well, not so fast. They’ve got the Ottawa Senators, who in my opinion are the most difficult first round matchup in the East. The Sens ended the season winning 5 of their last 6 games, and Ullmark has been rock solid in net. Due to the whacky playoff format in the NHL, the Canes will certainly not have a cakewalk to the second round.

If Carolina gets past the Senators, I think they make light work of either the Penguins or Flyers. But all focus is getting off to a hot start and establishing dominance against this Senators team - and that’s where my bet comes in.

The Hurricanes have one of the best home atmospheres in hockey. Raleigh, North Carolina is going to be rocking. Vinnie Del Negro jersey hanging in the rafters. 

The Canes ended the year winning 7 of their last 9 games. But wait, there's mroe! Do you know what they’ve done in their last six? Scored the first goal. Even in a 6-3 loss to Ottawa, the Hurricanes scored first and scored quick. That’s been their MO down the stretch - and it doesn’t change today.

Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes to Score First (-130)