The quest for the Stanley Cup is underway, with 16 teams battling to be crowned NHL champions. Canadian teams are eager to break the streak since 1993, with five contenders from Canada, including the Winnipeg Jets, who topped the Western Conference this season. For those interested in wagering on the NHL playoffs, numerous opportunities are available, especially with sign-up promotions from leading sportsbooks.
Here is an overview of the promotional offers and a preview of the first round of the NHL Playoffs.
Top Sportsbook Promotions
Here are some of the leading sportsbook promotions available for the NHL Playoffs.
| Brand | Promo | CBS promo code |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets if your bet wins | None required |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly | None required |
| Fanatics | Bet and get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | None required |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses | CBSSPORTS |
| Caesars | Bet $1, double your winnings your next 10 bets | CBSDYW |
| bet365 | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets win or lose | CBSBET365 |
BetMGM and Fanatics offer bet insurance promotions with different structures. BetMGM`s offer applies to your first bet: if it loses, you get bonus bets back, up to $1,500. Fanatics covers your first daily bet for the first 10 days, up to $100 per day, potentially giving you up to $1,000 in bonus bets if those bets lose.
FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365 provide `bet and get` deals for new users. A minimum $5 first bet qualifies you for bonus bets. FanDuel offers $250 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. DraftKings provides $200 instantly, and bet365 offers $150 whether your bet wins or loses. DraftKings distributes bonus bets as eight $25 tokens, while bet365 allows flexible bonus bet wagering.
Caesars` promotion focuses on profit boosts, giving 100% profit boosts on your next 10 bets after an initial $1 wager.
NHL Playoffs First Round Preview
The Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals are the top seeds in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. Winnipeg is matched against the St. Louis Blues, and Washington faces the Montreal Canadiens.
Western Conference
The Jets boast the league`s best defense, anchored by goalie Connor Hellebuyck, a Hart Trophy favorite. The Blues counter with experienced goalie Jordan Binnington, who led them to a 2019 Stanley Cup. Winnipeg won Game 1 against St. Louis 5-3 after trailing.
The Vegas Golden Knights, consistent title contenders, feature Jack Eichel`s strong season and Adin Hill in goal. Their roster is rich in playoff experience. Vegas is playing the Minnesota Wild, whose season has been inconsistent, though goalie Filip Gustavsson has been performing exceptionally since March.
The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, both perennial contenders, are facing off. Colorado dominated Game 1, winning 5-1. The Avalanche are powered by stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, while the Stars are balanced, led by Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson. Dallas`s Jake Oettinger is a reliable goalie, and Colorado`s Mackenzie Blackwood has been impressive since joining from San Jose.
The Los Angeles Kings are up against the Edmonton Oilers in the final Western Conference matchup. The Oilers, seeking redemption after last year`s Finals loss, are led by Connor McDavid. Their first challenge is against the defensively strong Kings, whose goalie Darcy Kuemper is known for his stinginess.
Eastern Conference
The Washington Capitals, highlighted by Alex Ovechkin`s pursuit of Gretzky`s goal record, secured the East`s top seed. They are playing Montreal, who clinched the last playoff spot and allowed the most goals among playoff teams.
A Canadian showdown features Toronto versus Ottawa. The Maple Leafs are powered by Mitch Marner, who surpassed 100 points, and Auston Matthews, despite some injuries. Toronto also has Anthony Stolarz performing well in goal. The Senators have struggled offensively and have fewer high-scoring players.
In a Florida derby, Tampa Bay, champions in 2020 and 2021, play against Florida, the reigning champions. Tampa Bay led the league in scoring with Nikita Kucherov leading in points, while Sam Reinhart paced Florida`s scoring.
Lastly, the Carolina Hurricanes face the New Jersey Devils. Carolina is strong in both scoring and defense, while New Jersey excels defensively but has had scoring issues. Key players include Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis for Carolina, and the Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke, for New Jersey.
Responsible Gaming
It`s crucial to bet responsibly, staying within your limits and avoiding chasing losses. Sportsbooks offer resources for responsible gaming, including time and spending limits.
National resources are also available, such as the National Council on Problem Gaming, Gamblers Anonymous, and the helpline 1-800-GAMBLER.
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale