All posts by : Don Lichterman

With the second round of the NHL playoffs well underway, there has been a significant shift in the landscape of Stanley Cup odds, with a clear consensus favorite emerging from the pack. As the action heats up on the ice, let’s take a closer look at the top contenders vying for hockey’s ultimate prize in 2024.

The New York Rangers have surged to the forefront of the Stanley Cup odds, commanding attention with their dominant performance against the Carolina Hurricanes. After securing three consecutive victories in the series, the Rangers now find themselves in the driver’s seat, poised to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. With a potent combination of physicality and offensive prowess, New York has showcased its ability to dismantle even the stoutest defenses and goaltending units.

In contrast, the Edmonton Oilers, who were early favorites heading into the second round, have faced some setbacks after dropping their series opener to the Vancouver Canucks. While the Oilers’ high-powered offense has continued to impress, questions linger about their goaltending, particularly after allowing a late-game rally in their opening matchup against Vancouver. Moving forward, goaltender Stuart Skinner will need to step up to ensure Edmonton’s continued success in the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers have surged back into contention after a strong finish to the regular season and a decisive victory over the Boston Bruins in the opening round. With momentum on their side, the Panthers are poised to reclaim their status as co-favorites, provided they can secure crucial victories on the road against Boston.

As the playoff picture continues to unfold, the race for the Stanley Cup remains wide open, with each team vying for their chance at hockey glory. With the Rangers leading the charge and formidable challengers hot on their heels, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 NHL season.

Round 1 matchups

Round 2 matchups

Stanley Cup odds over time

The Hurricanes, Avalanche, Panthers, and Stars have been the most significant movers over the last couple of weeks. The Rangers are also surging, while the Bruins have rebounded from a recent slide. 

Stanley Cup 2023-24 winning conference odds

Odds as of May 6

Stanley Cup 2023-24 winning division odds

Odds as of May 6

Stanley Cup matchup odds

Odds via FanDuel as of May 6

Stanley Cup exact result odds

Odds via FanDuel as of May 6

Stanley Cup champion: Canadian teams vs. field odds

Odds via FanDuel as of May 6

Eastern Conference champion

Odds via DraftKings on May 7

Western Conference champion

Odds via DraftKings on May 7

Stanley Cup opening odds

Stanley Cup opening odds as of June 13, 2023.

Stanley Cups won by division

Here’s a look at the number of Stanley Cups won by division since the NHL adopted the four-division format for the 2013-14 season.

Past Stanley Cup winners

NHL teams with the most Stanley Cups

How to read Stanley Cup odds

Stanley Cup odds reflect the probability of each NHL team winning the championship and are typically presented in American odds format (+XXX). Lower odds signify favoritism, while higher odds indicate underdog status.

A team with +750 odds to win the Stanley Cup is given an 11.76% implied probability of doing so with a $10 bet returning a $75 profit with a victory. A team with +1500 odds would have higher or longer odds, and a lower implied probability of 6.25%, but a win on a $10 bet would return a profit of $150.

Bettors should consider team performance, roster strength, injuries, and historical trends when assessing odds. By comparing odds across sportsbooks, individuals can make informed betting decisions during the NHL playoffs.

NHL draft order

Draft order as of May 8

The first 16 picks are set following the Draft Lottery. The remaining picks will be settled as the playoffs progress.

Stanley Cup Final FAQs

Who is the Stanley Cup Final favorite?

The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup favorites across most of our best live betting sites, trading as short as +330, representing an implied win probability of 23.26%.

When did the NHL playoffs start? 

The NHL playoffs began on Saturday, April 20, 2024. 

When will the Stanley Cup Final start?

Last year, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final took place on Saturday, June 3. The NHL will announce the beginning of the 2024 final closer to next spring. 

Who won the Stanley Cup last year?

The Vegas Golden Knights won the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Florida Panthers in five games.

NHL betting odds pages

Here are our best NHL betting sites:

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Tonight’s Game 6 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks is shaping up to be a showdown filled with intensity and high stakes. Both teams are eager to gain the upper hand and secure a crucial victory in their quest for playoff glory.

However, beyond the action on the court, there’s an intriguing development off the hardwood. In a bold move, the ownership of the Sixers has teamed up with Fanatics to purchase 2,000 tickets for Game 6, with the intention of keeping Knicks fans out of Wells Fargo Center. This decision comes after Knicks fans made their presence known during Sunday’s Game 4 win, with their boisterous cheering echoing throughout the arena.

The atmosphere at Wells Fargo Center is expected to be electric as Sixers fans rally behind their team, hoping to create a home-court advantage that will propel them to victory. With the stakes higher than ever, every possession and every shot will be crucial as both teams battle for supremacy.

As tip-off approaches, anticipation is mounting, and fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting the outcome of what promises to be an unforgettable Game 6.

Again, the Philadelphia 76ers’ ownership, as reported by Crossing Broad, took a commendable initiative ahead of Thursday’s Game 6. Majority owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and David Adelman, along with former minority owner Michael Rubin, who heads Fanatics, joined forces to secure 2,000 tickets for the upcoming game. However, instead of using these tickets to limit the presence of opposing fans, as initially speculated, the owners have chosen a more altruistic path.

These tickets will not be distributed to prevent rival supporters from attending the game; rather, they will be allocated to a group of unsung heroes: first responders, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and various other local groups. This generous gesture aims to honor and express gratitude to those individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community, especially during challenging times.

In a time when unity and support are paramount, the Sixers’ ownership has demonstrated their commitment to uplifting the community and recognizing the invaluable efforts of those who tirelessly serve and support others. By providing these tickets to deserving individuals and groups, they are not only enriching the fan experience but also fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation within the community.

As the excitement builds for Game 6, it’s heartening to see the Sixers’ ownership utilizing their platform to make a positive impact and give back to the community. Their actions serve as a reminder of the power of sports to unite and inspire, and they exemplify the true spirit of generosity and compassion.

With a trip to the next round of the playoffs on the line, expect nothing less than a thrilling and fiercely contested battle between two of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

As the baseball season enters its dog days, the race for playoff positioning intensifies, with every game taking on added significance and every win or loss carrying playoff implications. From divisional rivalries to wildcard battles, the drama of baseball reaches new heights as teams jockey for position in the standings and vie for a coveted spot in the postseason.

For players and teams, the grind of the long season takes its toll, as injuries mount and fatigue sets in. Yet, despite the challenges, the competitive spirit remains undiminished, as players dig deep and find a way to elevate their game when it matters most.

For fans, the stretch run of the baseball season is a time of excitement and anticipation, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players in pursuit of playoff glory. Whether watching from the stands or following along from home, fans are united in their love for the game and their unwavering support for their team.

As the postseason looms large on the horizon, every game becomes a must-win affair, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. From clutch hits to game-saving plays, the drama of baseball is on full display as teams battle tooth and nail for a chance to etch their names into baseball lore.

With the playoffs just around the corner, the excitement and tension of the baseball season are reaching a fever pitch, as teams push themselves to the limit in pursuit of championship glory. With every pitch, swing, and catch, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to another unforgettable season of America’s pastime.

As winter fades and spring emerges, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd herald the arrival of a new baseball season, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and anticipation for fans across the country. From the first pitch to the final out, baseball captivates audiences with its timeless appeal and rich tradition, offering a welcome respite from the rigors of everyday life.

For players and teams, the start of a new season represents a fresh start and a chance to write a new chapter in the annals of baseball history. From perennial contenders to upstart underdogs, every team begins the season with dreams of championship glory and the belief that anything is possible on the diamond.

As the season unfolds, players showcase their skills and talent on the field, captivating audiences with their athleticism and prowess. From towering home runs to diving catches, every game is a showcase of the best that the sport has to offer, with moments of brilliance and excitement around every corner.

For fans, the start of the baseball season is a time of optimism and anticipation, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players in pursuit of victory. Whether watching from the stands or following along from home, fans are united in their love for the game and their unwavering support for their team.

As the season progresses and the race for the playoffs heats up, the excitement and drama of baseball reach new heights, with every game taking on added significance and every win or loss felt deeply by players and fans alike. With the promise of a long summer ahead and the hope of championship glory on the horizon, the start of a new baseball season brings with it a sense of excitement and possibility that is unrivaled in the world of sports.

The NBA playoffs are a time of year that basketball fans eagerly anticipate, as the intensity ramps up and the world’s best players take their game to new heights in pursuit of championship glory. From buzzer-beating shots to epic comebacks, the NBA playoffs are a showcase of skill, determination, and heart-stopping drama.

As the regular season comes to a close, the top teams in each conference prepare to do battle in a quest for supremacy on the hardwood. From perennial powerhouses to upstart contenders, the playoffs are a chance for every team to prove themselves on the biggest stage in basketball.

The playoff format is a grueling test of endurance, with teams facing off in best-of-seven series that can stretch over several weeks. Every game is a high-stakes showdown, with momentum swinging on a single play and the fate of the season hanging in the balance.

For players, the playoffs represent the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work and dedication, as they push themselves to the limit in pursuit of the ultimate prize. From superstars to role players, every player knows that the playoffs are where legends are made and legacies are defined.

For fans, the NBA playoffs are a time of excitement, anticipation, and nail-biting tension, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players in pursuit of championship glory. Whether watching from the stands or from the comfort of home, fans are united in their passion for the game and their unwavering support for their team.

As the journey unfolds and the drama mounts, the NBA playoffs promise to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of professional basketball. With every shot, steal, and slam dunk, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to a season filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.