Entering Thursday, May 26, there are still seven teams remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Florida Panthers are the only team that has been eliminated in the second round, and they were one of the betting favorites.
The Stanley Cup betting odds continue to change after every single game, and that’s a trend that will continue until the final NHL series begins. Here is a quick breakdown of the current Stanley Cup odds, but they will change again on Friday.
Avs, Lightning Set For Battle?
The Colorado Avalanche (+150) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (+250) look to be on a collision course to meet up in the Stanley Cup Finals. Colorado has been the betting favorite all season long. On the other side, Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to win their third straight title.
The Avalanche are currently in a battle with the St. Louis Blues, but they have a series lead. Colorado has a home-ice advantage through the rest of the playoffs now, and that’s another reason that they are the favorites.
Tampa Bay just swept the Florida Panthers, and Florida was right behind the Avalanche as the Stanley Cup favorite. That win by the Lightning not only makes them dangerous but the Stanley Cup betting odds are now set at +250.
Can An Underdog Win It?
Here is a look at the rest of the betting odds to win the Stanley Cup:
- Carolina Hurricanes +600
- Edmonton Oilers +750
- New York Rangers +1200
- Calgary Flames +2400
- St. Louis Blues +3200
At this point, all five of these teams have to be considered underdogs. It would be an upset for them to win a Stanley Cup. Carolina looks like the biggest challenger in the Eastern Conference, and the Oilers can make that claim in the Western Conference.
The St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames currently have the worst odds to win the Stanley Cup, as they might not even survive the second round. If St. Louis and Calgary are able to win their second-round matchup, then they will see a big change in the odds.
This is the best time to get value on all of the teams that are currently listed as underdogs. Once the Eastern and Western Conference Finals matchup are set, then you aren’t going to see a big underdog in either conference.
It almost seems impossible for any of these teams to get past the Avalanche or Lightning, but you could win some big money by picking the correct team to get that done.
Starting to Look Like the Lightning
It’s nearly impossible to win the Stanley Cup in back-to-back-to-back seasons. However, Tampa Bay Lightning are now just eight wins away from getting it done.
The odds for the Lightning have shifted in a big way over the last few days. It’s looking like they are going to get the job done.
Tampa Bay has been playing well, but the pick should still be the Colorado Avalanche (+150). Colorado still has to get by the St. Louis Blues in the Second Round, but they have looked terrific in the playoffs.
