2018 NHL Playoffs Projections

Written by AccuScore Staff
Follow @AccuScore on Twitter

2018 NHL Playoffs Projections & Analysis

At the start of the season, AccuScore predicted 8 teams in each conferences would reach the playoffs, so let’s take a look how season has progressed so far and AccuScore's projections of the final stretch of the regular season.

When comparing the Eastern Conference predictions to current standings, six teams predicted to reach playoffs are currently within the top 8: Tampa Bay, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia and Columbus. With a strong start to the season, New Jersey surprised the projections. Even though they are currently sitting on the edge, it looks like they will make the playoffs this year.

Boston has discovered the form it had a few years ago. The Bruins are cruising to the playoffs and are prepared for a long run in the playoffs. These two teams were not projected to make the playoffs at the beginning of the season, but right now, the season simulations show them as being Stanley Cup Finals contenders.

Not a member? Try AccuScore Free for 7 Days
*Use code NHL25 for 25% off membership for a limited time

In the Western Conference, the season has been a bit more unpredictable with high flying teams from a year ago like the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are currently on the wrong side of the playoffs line. In the predictions before the season five out of eight teams predicted to reach playoffs are currently going to the postseason: Nashville, Winnipeg, San Jose, Anaheim and Dallas.

All of today's NHL picks: NHL picks

Los Angeles and Minnesota are current playoffs teams, which isn't a shock to the system because they were both predicted to be in the playoffs battle before the season. However, the Las Vegas Golden Knights have played beyond any expectations. They are almost sure winners of their division and with the way they have played this season, success during the postseason is not out of the question.

Season simulations show that all 8 teams currently in line for the postseason will continue to the playoffs. The toughest competition will be between the Los Angeles Kings (65% probability to reach playoffs) and the Colorado Avalanche (38% probability to reach playoffs). More detailed article about the playoffs probabilities can be found here.

NHL PREVIEWS AUGUST 20TH

NHL Action Tonight

New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals

The Islanders had a decent shot at sweeping the Capitals in the 2019-20 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round during Game 4, but they couldn’t take advantage of their chances and surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose by a 3-1 score. However, New York still owns a healthy 3-1 lead in the series and there would have to be a miracle for them to be eliminated by the Capitals. Washington, however, looked massively improved in Game 4 and Alex Ovechkin is coming off a two-goal performance, meaning the Islanders could be bound to deal against one of the best scoring threats in league history once again. The Islanders were outshot 29-26 in Game 4, and the trend might continue given the fact Washington must take risks offensively -- there’s no tomorrow for them since they’re down 3-1 in the series. Semyon Varlamov (Islanders) and Braden Holtby (Capitals) will start between the posts once again.

Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames

The Stars’ calling card ahead of the 2019-20 NHL Playoffs was their defense and, even though they struggled at first in their first-round series against the Flames, they changed that in Game 5. Dallas limited Calgary to just one goal and 29 shots while earning a huge 2-1 win that lifted them to a 3-2 lead in the series. Dallas recorded 32 shots in Game 5 and, even though their offense doesn’t really stand out, it must be noted that the Stars have outshot the Flames in each of the last four games of the series, including a 62-shot rampage in Game 4 where they found the back of the net five times. Dallas has enough firepower to get past the Flames and the recent tendencies might suggest the Flames won’t last long in the playoffs, especially if star winger Keith Tkachuk is unable to play in Game 6. The Stars are likely to start Anton Khudobin once again, while the Flames will give Cam Talbot the starting nod.

Keep up with the most updatedNHL spreads, odds, lines, picks and more with BetQL. Remember with BetQL you can always tell which side is theconsensus pick and which side the pros are betting.