NHL: Underdogs Who Could Make Stanley Cup Playoffs
These Teams Could Make Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Profitable
With the halfway point of the NHL season coming Saturday, we thought it would be fun to look at a few teams on the outside of the postseason picture that will find their way in come the end of the season. Stanley Cup playoff betting is one of the most exciting things to do in all of sports, but we may want to put a few dollars down beforehand on future book long-shots.
Let’s examine the NHL playoff picture to see which teams who are out of the postseason now will get in and maybe cash a Cup future ticket.
Eastern Conference (in order)
Pittsburgh Penguins: 40-1 (Stanley Cup Odds)
The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-15-5, 45 points) were forgotten about for most of the season, but their play of late (6-2-2 Last 10) reminds bettors just how talented this steam is. With a +14 goal differential, it’s easy to conclude that they’ve lost a lot of one-goal games, or nine to be exact, including a 4-3 overtime loss to Vancouver last time out.
However, watching that game, you knew that for the last two periods, they were as good as the Canucks, who lead the Pacific Division and are considered by us to be a top-three team in the league. You can’t count out a Mike Sullivan-coached team after getting Pittsburgh to the postseason seven times in his eight years with the Pens.
New Jersey Devils: 20-1
We’ve always been a big fan of Lindy Ruff, so it’s sad to see him on a list of coaches who will likely be fired next. Those things are always so suggestive and never take into account the relationship a coach has with his players or management, but we can tell you that the Devils are two points out of a playoff spot and charging fast with a 5-3-2 mark over their last 10 games. If they can find some consistency at home (9-9-2) and finally get healthy, they’ll make a run to the postseason. Unfortunately, if they can’t keep Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Timo Meier on the ice, they’ll have to make a move by the deadline to remain competitive.
Detroit Redwings: 100-1
It’s a little far-fetched to think the Detroit Redwings could win a Cup this season, but stranger things have happened, you just have to get your invite to the dance. Detroit is just two points out of a playoff spot, but more interesting than that, the Wings are just five points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the third spot in the Atlantic Divison. Derek Lalonde’s team would be right in the race for a top-three spot had it not been for a 2-9-2 run in December, but over the last six games, they’re 4-1-1 and undefeated in 2024 (3-0-1).
Western Conference
Seattle Kraken: 100-1
Don’t look now, but the Seattle Kraken is one of the hottest teams in hockey after winning eight straight games. Seattle is still on the outside of the playoffs but is tied with Nashville and Edmonton for the last wild-card spot in the west.
However, the Kraken could move up into the top three in the Pacific with a winning road trip that has them going through Pittsburgh, New York (Rangers), and Edmonton. This has found an outstanding goaltender in Joey Daccord, who owns a seven-game win streak and has allowed just eight goals in their last 8 eight games.
Calgary Flames: 125-1
You can find a better number on the Flames, but I put up the 125-1 to show you how much value you can get with a team whose two points out of the final wild-card spot and five points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the third spot in the Pacific Division. The Flame have won two straight and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
That’s a quick Stanley Cup playoffs betting preview. The reality is, this was written from a perspective of who could get into the postseason and perhaps be worth a futures wager, but the truth is, we think Pittsburgh and New Jersey are the only teams that are out of the postseason now that will make it. Too much talent in each with veteran coaches who know how to coach their way into the dance.
For NHL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
