The primary spherical of the NHL playoffs went out with a bang with two third-period comebacks in Recreation 7s, together with a last-second tying goal for Winnipeg on Sunday night time. Whereas Winnipeg and Dallas are most likely nonetheless buzzing from these dramatic wins, the second spherical begins Monday night time. Forward of the convention semifinals, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes lead the chances to win the Stanley Cup.
The defending champion Panthers dispatched in-state foe Tampa Bay in 5 video games and are +425 to elevate the Cup on BetMGM. Carolina, which took out New Jersey in 5 video games, is true behind at +475. These odds for favorites paint the image of a wide-open playoff area. That was the case earlier than the playoffs began, and it’s nonetheless true now.
The Washington Capitals have the longest odds of the eight groups remaining, and even the Capitals are solely +1000. Evaluate to that to the NBA, the place solely three groups have odds shorter than +1000. The NHL playoffs are at all times filled with surprises, which is mirrored within the odds, however this 12 months particularly has no clear-cut favourite or high crew.
2025 Stanley Cup winner odds
Earlier than the playoffs, Colorado was within the high group with Florida and Carolina, however the Avalanche blew a two-goal lead within the third interval of Recreation 7 on Saturday. After profitable that collection, Dallas is third within the odds at +500.
The primary Canadian crew within the combine is the Edmonton Oilers at +525. Three of the 5 Canadian groups that made the playoffs made it to the second spherical. Toronto is +750 and Winnipeg is +900. With a wholesome variety of groups nonetheless alive, and none of them enjoying one another within the second spherical, perhaps that is the 12 months Canada can finish its Stanley Cup drought. The final time a Canadian crew received the Cup was Montreal in 1993.
Whereas Edmonton is forward of Vegas (+650) within the futures odds, the 2 groups have matching -110 odds to win that upcoming second-round collection. Vegas begins the collection on residence ice, however Edmonton has Connor McDavid.
McDavid is the favourite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy because the MVP of the playoffs, however favourite is getting used liberally right here. McDavid remains to be +750 to win it. Dallas’ Mikko Rantanen (+1100) and McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl (+1300) are subsequent.
Given the overall Canadian drought, it’s no shock that the three Canadian groups even have the longest Cup droughts of the eight groups nonetheless alive. The Oilers final lifted the Cup in 1990, Toronto’s final triumph was all the best way again in 1967 and Winnipeg has by no means received the Cup. The Jets received the Presidents’ Trophy (greatest common season document) this season for the primary time, however are nonetheless solely forward of Washington within the futures odds.
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