Even the most casual hockey observers would acknowledge, this is the most entertaining Stanley Cup Final in recent memory. No lead is safe, goalies are getting chased from the crease, and this is the third-most goals that have been scored through the opening four games of the final.
The betting swings are just as asinine. The Carolina Hurricanes entered the series as favorites, but were underdogs heading into Game 4. After securing a monumental victory on Tuesday night, Carolina has been re-installed as betting chalk. Still, the Conn Smythe odds board is even more confused. Players have risen and fallen throughout the first four games, creating immense value for any bettor looking to enter the market with just three games to play.
Let’s evaluate the Conn Smythe market and see where the value lies!
Carolina Contenders
Taylor Hall (+400)
It’s been a hell of a ride for Taylor Hall. Formerly one of the pre-eminent faces of the NHL, Hall has been relegated to a journeyman role later in his career. He’s embraced those opportunities with the Hurricanes and has emerged as a top Conn Smythe contender in Carolina.
Hall is tied for the team lead in scoring, totaling six goals and 12 assists in 17 games played. Moreover, he remains a premier analytics darling, pointing to sustained success to close out the series. The former first-overall selection has a mind-numbing 72.6% expected goals-for rating, underscoring Hall’s dominance in both ends of the ice.
If Hall keeps doing what he’s doing, there will be no denying him this year’s playoff MVP award.
Logan Stankoven (+400)
Last season, the Hurricanes traded for Logan Stankoven when they couldn’t lure Mitch Marner over in a mid-season trade. Two wins from hoisting the Stanley Cup, Carolina has to be happy with its decision.
Heading into Game 5, Stankoven leads the team and ranks second in the playoffs with 11 goals. All but two of those tallies have come at even strength, showcasing Stankoven’s elite five-on-five play and productivity.
Undoubtedly, Stankoven is a top contender in this year’s Conn Smythe voting. If continues his scoring pace or pots a crucial game-winner in the deciding game, there will be no denying Stankoven the playoff MVP distinction.
Jordan Staal (+500)
The oldest player in the Stanley Cup Final, Jordan Staal is showing that age is just a number versus the Vegas Golden Knights.
Since entering the league in 2006-07, Staal has always been a solid two-way player. He plays with an unrelenting edge in the defensive zone, without compromising on his scoring ability in the attacking end. That’s exactly what we’ve seen from him in the Stanley Cup Final, recording five goals, six points, and a +3 rating against the Knights.
The Hurricanes’ captain has put the team on his back, delivering monument-shifting performances through four games. We’re betting his ascent continues and Staal is soon installed as the Conn Smythe favorite.
Golden Knights Challengers
Mitch Marner (-143)
Since the start of the series, Mitch Marner has been installed as the Conn Smythe favorite. After his memorable Game 3 performance, his odds have reached a fever pitch.
On Saturday night, Marner sniped a hat trick, recording four points, 10 shots on net, and a +3 rating, endearing himself to fans and Conn Smythe bettors alike. With that, his betting odds surged and cemented Marner’s position as the chalky favorite.
Irrespective of whether the Golden Knights lift hockey’s Holy Grail, Mitch Marner will be included in the Conn Smythe conversation. His performances stack up against other players who have lost the final but still lifted the playoff MVP trophy.
Jack Eichel (+8000)
Just a few games ago, Jack Eichel had some of the shortest odds on the board. Four unremarkable performances later, his odds have plummeted. Still, Eichel is an x-factor moving forward and could re-assert himself as a top contender with an improved effort in Game 5.
With just two points versus the Hurricanes, Eichel has been a virtual non-factor in the final. Despite those struggles, he still ranks second in playoff scoring, totaling 20 points through 20 games.
The Golden Knights’ championship aspirations rise and fall with Jack Eichel. If they hope to pull off the upset, it’s on the back of improved performances from their premier center. If Eichel delivers, we should see a massive spike in his odds.
Brett Howden (+10000)
Finally, it’s time to give Brett Howden the credit he deserves. Granted, he’s been the beneficiary of skating next to Mitch Marner; however, there’s no denying his elite offensive contributions.
As it stands, Howden leads all playoff scorers with 12 goals, and he’s been a force in the Cup Final. The Knights’ winger has four goals, six points, and a +5 rating while skating next to Marner.
While Marner is getting all the credit on the Knights’ top line, Brett Howden has quietly asserted himself as one of the team’s premier scorers. His production correlates with Marner’s, but if Howden stands out over the final three games of the series, we should see a much shorter Conn Smythe price before all is said and done.
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