The first round of the NHL Playoffs is winding down, and as we head into Wednesday’s action, three teams have already moved on to the next round, and three teams have seen their postseasons end.
No matter how far we get into the playoffs, a Stanley Cup winning bet can always be placed. And if you’re looking to make such a wager today, here is where the 13 remaining teams sit.
Here are the updated betting favorites, dark horses, and ynderdogs in the NHL Playoffs
Odds to Win the Stanley Cup
- Colorado Avalanche (+260)
- Boston Bruins (+500)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (+525)
- Vegas Golden Knights (+600)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (+750)
- Carolina Hurricanes (+850)
- New York Islanders (+1500)
- Winnipeg Jets (+1600)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (+3000)
- Florida Panthers (+4000)
- Minnesota Wild (+6000)
- Nashville Predators (+7500)
- Montreal Canadiens (+12500)
Before the playoffs began, the Colorado Avalanche were paying +400. Following their sweep of the St. Louis Blues, the favorites to win the Stanley Cup have dropped to +260. With so many teams left, and so many possibilities, it’s unusual to see such a heavy favorite. But that is a reflection of just how good the Avs have looked all season long.
The Boston Bruins have also already won their first-round series, 4-1 over the Washington Capitals. On May 15th, a bet on Boston to win the Cup was paying +1150. But thanks to four straight wins to close out the Caps, the Bruins are now seen as the second betting favorite at +500. Awaiting Boston is either the New York Islanders or the Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York could clinch it on Wednesday.
In the North Division, aka the Canadian division of the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the betting favorite. They were paying +700 before the playoffs started, and now that they’re up 3-1 on the Montreal Canadiens, a bet on the Leafs pays +525. Game 5 is Thursday night in Toronto.
Underdogs on the Move
Of the teams considered to be a longshot to win the Stanley Cup, the biggest mover up the board are the Winnipeg Jets. They began the playoffs at +3500 and were supposed to lose to the Oilers in the first round. Instead, the Jets swept the Edmonton Oilers, 4-0, and are now paying +1600 to win the whole thing. They will play the winner of Toronto and Montreal in the second round.
The biggest drop down the board is the Minnesota Wild. The Wild got a win in Game 5 to stay alive in their first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights, with Game 6 coming Wednesday night and Vegas leading 3-2. The Wild opened the playoffs at +1800 to win the Stanley Cup but are now paying +6000. Even if they do manage to win the next two and advance to the second round, Colorado awaits.
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