How To Bet On The 2023 NHL Playoffs
Every year during springtime, as the 82-game NHL regular season winds down, teams are playing as hard as they possibly can in order to make it into the playoffs for a chance to win the coveted Stanley Cup trophy.
The playoff system of the NHL is almost identical to the playoff system of the NBA. In fact, both leagues have a similar number of teams (32 and 30, respectively), play the same number of regular season games (82), have a Western and Eastern conference, and allow 16 teams into their playoffs (8 from each conference).
Fittingly enough, both leagues' playoffs also start around the same time, and the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals typically happen within weeks of one another. However, this isn't about basketball; this is all about betting on NHL hockey and the NHL playoffs.
Thankfully, even if you're unfamiliar with the way the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are operated, the structure is really easy to understand. And by understanding how these NHL series are structured, you can ultimately place safer, lower-risk bets to help you win more money at your favorite online hockey betting sportsbooks.
Best Site To Bet On The NHL Playoffs In 2024
For US-based hockey fans looking for a premium destination at which to legally bet on the NHL Playoffs, BetOnline AG is our top recommendation. The site accepts both USA and international customers and offer all bettors a 25% match bonus worth up to $1000 on every deposit they ever make! This type of lifetime bonus offer is unprecedented in the industry, and that's on top of the $1000 BetOnline welcome bonus!
Along with support for all NHL Playoff events, you'll find extensive coverage of a wide range of sports betting categories at BetOnline. The operator also offers advanced features to their customers, including a web-based mobile betting app and sophisticated live betting options that are available when using your computer, smartphone, or tablet. The BetOnline banking suite is efficient and supports several kinds of cryptocurrencies, as well.
Top Online Sportsbooks Offering 2023 NHL Playoffs Odds
| Sportsbook | Bonus | USA | Rating 0-10 | Visit Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betonline Sportsbook | 25% Max $1,000 | Yes | 9.3 | Visit Site |
| Mybookie | 50% Max $1,000 | Yes | 9.2 | Visit Site |
| Sportsbetting.ag | 25% Max $1,000 | Yes | 9.1 | Visit Site |
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | Yes | 8.9 | Visit Site |
| Bookmaker | 50% Max $300 | Yes | 8.6 | Visit Site |
The NHL Playoff Structure
The NHL is split into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, with a total of 32 teams in the league. Each Conference has 16 teams, with 8 in each division.
After all 82 games of the regular season have been played, the top three teams in each division make the postseason. Then, the top two wild card teams from each conference also make the playoffs. That gives a total of 16 teams (12 automatic berths and 4 NHL wild card teams).
The playoffs happen individually per conference. For instance, the #1 seed in the East plays the #8 seed in the East, followed by 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5. These matchups are all best-of-7, so the first team in each pairing that wins four games moves on to the next round.
After two rounds of play in each conference, the East and West both have their NHL Conference Finals, wherein the two remaining Eastern and Western Conference teams play each other to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, which is where the real fireworks happen.
The Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals is the final series of the NHL season. This is where the Eastern Conference Champion meets the Western Conference Champion to play for the Stanley Cup trophy. The team with the best regular season record earns home-ice advantage for the NHL Finals, and the team that ends up winning the Stanley Cup gets to keep the trophy for a year before it's passed on to the next season's champion.
Betting on the Stanley Cup Finals is the culmination of an action-packed season that builds for about nine months, though you can always bet on NHL futures odds year-round!
If interested, we also have a page dedicated to betting on NCAA hockey, which allows for action on collegiate teams throughout the season.