The NHL playoffs are upon us, and sports betting enthusiasts are gearing up for some exciting wagering opportunities. The top contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy include Connor Hellebuyck, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid, but some underdogs like Nikita Kucherov and Alex Ovechkin are also worth a look for value bets. The Winnipeg Jets, despite their Presidents' Trophy win, have been marked as a risky choice for a deep playoff run due to inconsistent performance. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning are favorites, while the Toronto Maple Leafs, long seen as playoff underachievers, may finally have a favorable path. The Western Conference is headlined by the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, with the Stars positioned as strong contenders because of their impressive lineup.