As the NHL playoffs surge into the second round, let's delve into the updated Stanley Cup odds and identify some promising bets and interesting long-shots for the 2024 postseason.
Current Stanley Cup Odds
The odds, provided by BetOnline Sportsbook, indicate a competitive race for the 2024 Stanley Cup:
- Florida Panthers: +425
- Edmonton Oilers: +450
- New York Rangers: +550
- Dallas Stars: +550
- Carolina Hurricanes: +600
- Colorado Avalanche: +650
- Boston Bruins: +1000
- Vancouver Canucks: +1800
Betting
1. Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche (+650)
Colorado Avalanche emerges as a strong favorite with odds of +650. With Nathan MacKinnon showcasing career-highs and the support of Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen, the Avalanche boast the top-end talent necessary for a deep playoff run.
Their significant scoring ability, leading the NHL in goals this season, coupled with strategic additions like Casey Mittelstadt, enhances their playoff prospects. However, goaltending remains a question with Alexandar Georgiev needing to improve from a lackluster season.
2. Contender: Edmonton Oilers (+450)
The Oilers are priced at +450 (DraftKings Sportsbook), slightly inflated due to being heavy favorites in the second round against the Canucks. The explosive potential of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl makes this bet appealing, especially with their formidable power play performance.
3. Sleeper Pick: Boston Bruins (+1000)
The Bruins, with odds of +1000 can be considered a sleeper pick. Despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season, their early playoff exit has kept them under the radar this year. With a balanced team featuring talents like David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and solid goaltending from Jeremy Swayman, Boston is poised for a stronger playoff run, reminiscent of the Tampa Bay Lightning's bounce-back after a first-round loss in 2019.
Betting Insight and Strategy
Betting on the NHL playoffs requires the bettor to consider team dynamics, player performances, and historical trends.
Colorado's scoring prowess and star players put them in a prime position, while Edmonton's top-tier offense makes them a formidable contender. Meanwhile Boston's well-rounded team and playoff potential provide a valuable betting opportunity for those looking for higher returns at longer odds.
How The Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Systems Is Structured
1. Format and Seeding
The Stanley Cup Playoffs consist of four rounds of best-of-seven series. The playoffs include 16 teams: the top three teams from each of the four divisions and two wild card teams from each conference (Eastern and Western). Division winners are seeded one through three in their respective divisions based on their regular-season records. The next two teams with the best records in each conference, regardless of division, earn the wild card spots.
2. First Round: The Divisional Semifinals
- Matchups: Each conference's division winner with the best record plays the wild card team with the lesser record. The second and third-best division winners face the remaining division leaders and wild card team, respectively. The remaining teams are matched based on their season records, usually with the second-place team facing the third-place team in their division.
- Objective: Teams must win four out of seven games to advance to the next round.
3. Second Round: The Divisional Finals
- Matchups: The winners from the first round within each division face each other.
- Objective: Like the first round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series, with the victor advancing to the Conference Finals.
4. Third Round: The Conference Finals
- Matchups: The two remaining teams from each conference (winners of the second round) compete against each other.
- Objective: The goal remains to win four out of seven games. The winners of the Conference Finals receive their respective conference championship trophy and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
5. Fourth Round: The Stanley Cup Final
- Matchups: The Eastern Conference champion faces the Western Conference champion.
- Objective: This final best-of-seven series determines the NHL champion. The first team to win four games is awarded the Stanley Cup.