If you’re feeling like the NHL season is flying by, you’re not alone. The upcoming Olympic break has forced teams to condense their schedules as they try to maintain the league’s usual cadence, while accommodating the nearly three-week hiatus to play in Milan-Cortina. Some teams have adapted better than others, and that’s reflected in their position atop the Stanley Cup futures board.
Which teams have soared to the top and are the top contenders for hockey’s Holy Grail?
Momentum Building in Colorado
Undoubtedly, the Colorado Avalanche have been the mightiest force in the NHL this season. While they have slowed their once-historic pace, the Avs are the odds-on favorite to hoist the Stanley Cup at the end of the season.
As of the start of this week, Colorado is priced as prohibitive +220 favorites. Sharp bettors recognize that the futures market isn’t always the most efficient way to maximize return, and that’s especially true with this iteration of the Avalanche.
If you like the Avs’ chances, it’s worth investigating roll-over betting strategies. But investing heavily at such a short price might not yield the positive return bettors are hoping for.
The Front of the Pack
There are several other teams positioned well within striking distance. Timing is everything, and any one of these three teams could oust the Avalanche from their betting throne in the playoffs.
For years, the Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the most dominant franchises in the league. They consistently rank among the top analytics team, a distinction that is often reflected in their perch in the standings. That hasn’t translated to playoff success, but this could be the year it all comes together for the Canes.
Carolina sits prominently in most analytics categories, as reflected in their second-ranked expected goals-for rating. A marginal difference separates them from the Avalanche, and we could see them make up the ground in no time.
Curiously, the Canes sit behind the Tampa Bay Lightning on the futures board. Despite their Metropolitan-leading resume and superior analytics profile, bettors are loading up on the Lightning. Tampa’s proven playoff record and head coaching mastermind, Jon Cooper, are likely the reasons behind the +550 to +750 difference.
Finally, the Las Vegas Knights are the closest Western Conference team behind the Avalanche. Still, there is a notable gap between their +950 price and the Avs’ current offering. Consistency has hampered the Knights in recent weeks, but their roster composition and separate path to the Conference Final validate their position as frontrunners.
Last Year’s Finalists
Right behind the top four contenders, you’ll find last year’s Stanley Cup finalists. The Edmonton Oilers have a slight betting advantage, a distinction that isn’t reflected in their playoff results. Despite losing each of the last two finals, the Oilers are priced slightly ahead of the two-time defending champs, currently listed at +1000.
Edmonton’s constant lineup tinkering has put the Oilers at a deficit in the futures market. This is typically the time of year that they start to turn it on, so this could be the best price we see on the Pacific Division contenders the rest of the way.
Likewise, every April, the Florida Panthers remind everyone what makes them the playoff juggernauts they are. While they are out of the postseason picture right now, it won’t be long until we see them mount a late-season charge up the standings. Surely, the return of Matthew Tkachuk will inspire that climb.
Other Notable Franchises
Over the years, several teams have become the beacon for public support. Chief among those teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have lost some of their betting lustre, a fact that’s reflected in their current betting position. Toronto is +6000 longshots, a price not seen in years. Similarly, the Washington Capitals have fallen to +3500, cooling off from their earlier division-leading pace. Most notably, the Pittsburgh Penguins are among the lowest-evaluated teams, drawing +8000 Stanley Cup odds.
Any one of those three franchises is capable of exceeding implied expectations. Big money may be flowing to the top of the betting board, but there’s value to be had among the lower-priced teams.
Stanley Cup Betting – Final Thoughts
The gap between the frontrunners and the rest of the pack is growing. But as we see every year, the path to glory isn’t one that can be taken for granted. Whether you’re loading up on favorite, rolling over to maximize return, or backing longshots, expanding your futures profile with an eye on ROI is the surest way to guarantee a profit at the end of the season.
Stay tuned for more hockey and betting insights as we race toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
