Columbus Blue Jackets (41-31-3-7) at Detroit Red Wings (51-21-6-4)

These teams have split the season series at 3-3 with Columbus winning every one of their games as big underdogs (+231, +140, and +125).  Detroit has been a big favorite in their wins (-270, -330, and -117) and is a big favorite again this time around with online sportsbooks putting them up in the range of -245 with a goal total at 5.5.  Right wingers Marian Hossa and Daniel Cleary are probable for Detroit while center Kris Draper and defenseman Andreas Lilja are scheduled to miss.  Columbus will be without center Derick Brassard and left winger Fredrik Modin while right winger Kristian Huselius is likely to suit up.

Montreal Canadiens (41-30-4-7) at Boston Bruins (53-19-4-6)

The Bruins have dominated the season series with wins in 5 of the 6 meetings this season including the last 5 straight matchups against Montreal.  Boston has proved to be better this season at scoring, stopping opponents from scoring, power play goals, penalty killing, face offs, and goaltending.  The NHL betting odds at most sportsbooks list the home-team Bruins as favorites at roughly -220 and this one has been steamed up with the betting public in love with Boston.

Calgary Flames (46-30-4-2) at Chicago Blackhawks (46-24-5-7)

Chicago has won games with a very capable offense and defense/goaltenders that really limit goals.   The Blackhawks have won all 4 meetings with Calgary this season and have taken 7 of the last 10 overall against the Flames.  Calgary has struggled quite a bit lately with wins in just 4 of their last 10 games compared to Chicago winnings 7 of the last 10 including 2 impressive victories over the Detroit Red Wings to finish the season out.  The Blackhawks are favored at -160 which is a bit odd since most of the betting public seems to favor the home team.

Anaheim Ducks (42-33-4-3) at San Jose Sharks (53-18-6-5)

The big injury news here has to do with San Jose right winger Jonathon Cheechoo who missed his last game with a back injury and is currently listed as questionable for this first round NHL playoff game.  The Sharks have won 4 of the 6 meetings this season and 6 of the last 10 but Anaheim did manage win in this building as a +145 underdog earlier this year.  The Ducks are listed at -230 and are receiving a good amount of support from the betting public with many bet-tracking websites showing people on Anaheim at close to 75%.

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