NHL Stanley Cup
NHL Stanley Cup Bracket 2024
NHL Stanley Cup Bracket 2024
- Matchup: TBD – TBD
- Date: June 10 – June 24, 2024
- 2023 Winner:
Vegas Golden Knights
Stanley Cup 2024
The 2024 NHL season has delivered its share of unexpected performances, with several players and teams defying preseason predictions.
Biggest Surprises
Notably, Jonathan Quick’s resurgence with the New York Rangers stands out. At 37 years old, Quick boasts a 1.99 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, which ranks him among the top goalies this season. This remarkable turnaround has sparked talks about his prolonged career beyond what many thought was his twilight years.
Another significant surprise is Cam Talbot’s performance with the Los Angeles Kings. Having joined his seventh NHL team, Talbot has been crucial in catapulting the Kings to one of the top positions in the league, thanks to his impressive 2.02 GAA and .931 save percentage. His leadership and form have shined, especially on the road, where the Kings have maintained a perfect record.
The Florida Panthers have also turned heads, particularly Sam Reinhart, who leads the team with 27 points in 22 games. His scoring power has helped the Panthers stay competitive in the Atlantic Division, making them a strong contender for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
On the flip side, the season has seen its share of disappointments, particularly the performance of the teams from Alberta.
Biggest Disappointments
The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames have both started the season poorly, with Edmonton switching coaches early and struggling to make a significant impact in the standings despite high expectations. The Flames have similarly faltered, particularly with their power play, which ranks among the league’s worst.
The Minnesota Wild have experienced a drastic downturn from their previous season’s form, leading to the dismissal of coach Dean Evason. Their defensive and goaltending struggles have resulted in one of the worst goals against averages in the league, a stark contrast to their identity last season as a tough team to score against.
Lastly, the Washington Capitals have faced challenges, particularly in scoring and power play efficiency. Despite a strong start that surprised many, their inability to score consistently at even strength and on the power play has been a glaring issue, although they have managed to stay competitive in most games.
Top 5 NHL Teams
As the 2024 NHL playoffs approach, the odds for the Stanley Cup 2024 have created much hubbub.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five teams with the best odds to lift the Cup, with their potential in the Stanley Cup playoffs and in the dynamics of NHL playoff scores and picks.
| Team | Line |
|---|---|
 Carolina Hurricanes (+650) | The Carolina Hurricanes top the charts as the favorites for the Stanley Cup 2024, buoyed by their impressive season performance. With a well-rounded team that excels in both offense and defense, the Hurricanes show a formidable line-up featuring Sebastian Aho, who has amassed 98 points this season. Their defense is anchored by Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce, while the goaltending duo of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov offers reliability between the pipes. Their team dynamics make them a solid bet for the title. |
 Florida Panthers (+700) | The Florida Panthers are closely trailing with the same odds as the Colorado Avalanche. The Panthers have shown a sturdy playoff capability, underpinned by their aggressive offensive plays and strategic mid-season acquisitions which have significantly boosted their lineup. Their performance in the regular season positions them as serious contenders for the playoffs. |
 Colorado Avalanche (+700) | Matching the Panthers in terms of odds, the Colorado Avalanche continues to be a powerhouse in the NHL. With their high-scoring gameplay and solid defense, the Avalanche are perennial favorites. Their team depth and experience in high-stakes games provide them with a considerable edge in the postseason matchups. |
 Edmonton Oilers (+750) | The Edmonton Oilers have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, propelled by star player Connor McDavid. Despite a rocky start, the team has bounced back, climbing the odds chart and positioning themselves as a dark horse in the Stanley Cup race. Their high offensive output makes them a team to watch in the playoffs. |
 New York Rangers (+800) | The New York Rangers round out the top five with promising odds. Led by a strong lineup and strategic gameplay, the Rangers have consistently demonstrated their capability to contend at the highest levels. Their balanced team and tactical prowess make them a viable candidate for the Stanley Cup. |
As the playoffs progress, these odds might shift, offering dynamic opportunities for NHL picks and insights into the teams’ playoff performances. Be sure to stay on top with us!
2023-24 NHL MVP Odds: Stanley Cup Playoffs
As the 2024 NHL playoffs commence, the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player (MVP) during the Stanley Cup playoffs, heats up. Here’s a look at the frontrunners and their odds, with their potential impacts on the Stanley Cup 2024, playoff scores, and picks.
Leading Contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy:
- Connor McDavid, Oilers (+700). Often considered the best player in the world, McDavid is the top bet for the MVP as he leads an Oilers team with high aspirations. His dynamic playmaking and scoring ability make him a perennial favorite for any award.
- Sebastian Aho, Hurricanes (+1500). As a key NHL player for the Carolina Hurricanes, Aho’s all-around game and playoff performance could very well lead his team deep into the playoffs.
- Artemi Panarin, Rangers (+1800). Panarin, along with David Pastrnak and Igor Shesterkin (both also at +1800), leads a strong Rangers squad. His offensive prowess and clutch scoring are vital for New York’s success in the postseason.
- Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche (+2000). Always a critical player for Colorado, MacKinnon’s speed and skill could dominate playoff games, making him a strong MVP candidate if the Avalanche makes a deep run.
- Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers (+2000). In his first season with the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk has been a transformative presence. His gritty play and scoring touch make him a key contender for the Conn Smythe should the Panthers advance far.
Dark Horses and Value Bets:
- Jake Guentzel, Hurricanes (+1800)
- Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes (+2000)
- Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers (+2000)
- Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs (+2500)
Longshots to Watch:
- Cale Makar, Avalanche (+3000)
- Jack Eichel, Golden Knights (+3000)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning (+6000)
These longshots present a higher risk but also a potentially high reward. Makar and Eichel bring game-changing talent, while Vasilevskiy has proven he can carry a team with his goaltending.
As the Stanley Cup playoffs unfold, monitoring the performances of these key players will be crucial for those looking at NHL playoff odds and making informed NHL picks. The Conn Smythe race is often unpredictable and can offer surprising results, much like the journey to the Stanley Cup itself.
NHL PostSeason
The NHL postseason is an exciting time for hockey fans around the world. It typically begins in April and extends into early June, featuring the top teams from the regular season competing for the coveted Stanley Cup. Every season, 16 teams compete in a series of best-of-seven matchups to determine the ultimate champion and winner of the Stanley Cup.
The playoff format consists of four rounds, starting with the Conference Quarterfinals. The top three teams from each division earn automatic berths, while the remaining two spots in each conference are awarded to wild card teams based on their point totals. The playoffs are structured such that the top-seeded team in each division faces the wild card team with the lowest point total, while the second and third seeds in each division compete against each other.
The intensity of the NHL postseason is unparalleled, with teams giving their all in pursuit of victory. As the playoffs progress, the matchups become increasingly challenging, leading to thrilling series and captivating moments. The Conference Semifinals see the winners from the previous round within each division competing against each other. The two teams that emerge victorious from the Conference Semifinals advance to the Conference Finals, where they battle it out for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Stanley Cup Finals is the culmination of the NHL postseason, showcasing the two conference champions facing off against each other in a best-of-seven series. The team that wins four games first is crowned the champion and earns the honor of hoisting the iconic Stanley Cup. The Finals are filled with anticipation, excitement, and memorable moments as the two teams leave everything on the ice to claim hockey’s most prestigious trophy
Throughout the NHL postseason, fans can engage in various forms of hockey betting. Stanley Cup Playoffs odds are available in many markets that open as soon as the previous season ends. The most popular market is the outright Stanley Cup Champion, where bettors can bet on the next champions.
NHL Playoff Format
Date: April 19th to April 21st
In the first round, known as the “Conference Quarterfinals,” the top seed in each division faces off against the fourth seed, while the second and third seeds battle each other.
Date: May 1st – 2nd (possibly April 29th -30th)
The winners of the first round series advance to the second round, known as the “Conference Semifinals,” where they compete within their respective divisions. The two teams that emerge victorious from each divisional bracket then proceed to the “Conference Finals.”
Date: May 16th – 17th (possibly May 14th – 15th)
The Conference Finals determine the champions of the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. These two teams then face each other in the ultimate showdown, known as the “Stanley Cup Finals.”
Date: June 1st and potentially until June 18th.
The team that wins four out of seven games in the Finals is crowned the NHL champion and hoists the Stanley Cup.
What Is the NHL Stanley Cup?
Many say the Stanley Cup is the “hardest trophy to win in pro sports”. Given the rough and sometimes arbitrary nature of NHL hockey, there might be some truth to this. Thus, a winning bet on the Stanley Cup Playoffs could feel like hitting the lottery.
The postseason starts around the spring but Stanley Cup Playoffs odds are available for most of the year. You can wager on the next Stanley Cup champion as early as the next day after a team wins it. Do this through “Futures” bets on the sportsbook.
Like most championships in professional team sports, the Stanley Cup has been won only by select franchises. As the oldest existing trophy to be awarded in pro sports, there have been hundreds of teams which have lifted the championship trophy.
Canadian teams have won the most, with the Montreal Canadiens winning 24 followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs with 13. The Detroit Red Wings are third with 11, the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks are next with six each, and at five we have the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers.
Stanley Cup Odds & Puck Line
The Stanley Cup odds display as either a negative number like -300 or a plus number like +200. The former is a favorite implying a higher probability of winning, and the latter is the underdog, indicating a lower chance of winning. The lower the number, the higher the chance of winning.
These odds are “American odds”. A negative number indicates how much you have to wager to win $100, so for -300, a wager of $300 is needed. On the other hand, the plus number shows your exact payout when you wager $100; this means that for +200, you win $200 for betting $100.
Alternatively, you can switch the format to decimal and fractional.
How To Read the Stanley Cup Puck Line
To read the puckline for Stanley Cup odds, it’s essential to understand its significance and how it relates to betting on NHL games. The puckline is a type of spread bet specific to hockey, similar to a point spread in other sports. When looking at the puckline, there are two key components: the plus or minus sign and the associated number. The plus sign (+) indicates the underdog, while the minus sign (-) signifies the favorite.
When the puckline is displayed as a positive number, such as +1.5, it means the underdog team is given a 1.5-goal advantage. In this scenario, the underdog must either win the game outright or lose by one goal to cover the puckline. On the other hand, when the puckline is shown as a negative number, like -1.5, it indicates that the favorite team is favored by 1.5 goals. To cover the puckline, the favorite must win by at least two goals.
Reading the puckline for Stanley Cup odds requires analyzing the game lines provided by sportsbooks. These lines include the puckline, money line, and total goals. The puckline odds provide insights into how the sportsbook views the matchup and the potential margin of victory. By considering factors such as team performance, statistics, and injury updates, bettors can make informed decisions when betting on the puckline.
Additionally, it’s important to evaluate trends, statistics, and the overall performance of the teams involved in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Analyzing past matchups, recent form, and the strengths and weaknesses of each team can help identify potential opportunities when betting on the puckline. Keep in mind that the odds and lines can change leading up to the game, so staying updated with the latest information and adjusting strategies accordingly is crucial.
Ultimately, reading the puckline for Stanley Cup odds involves understanding the concept of the puckline, analyzing game lines provided by sportsbooks, and conducting thorough research on the teams and their performance. By combining these elements, bettors can make informed decisions and increase their chances of success when betting on the NHL postseason.
Betting on the Stanley Cup
Betting on the Stanley Cup Playoffs can be done with outrights or futures. You can bet any NHL team to win the Cup provided they still have odds on the board. Like the stock market, their prices will either shorten or lengthen, depending on how they are performing.
Not only can you bet on a team to win the Stanley Cup, but you can also bet on teams to either make or not make the playoffs.
Once the Stanley Cup is underway, other markets you can look at are the series prices: who wins a series, how many games it will go to, etc. Of course, you can bet on the individual games, from the puck line (point spreads) to the moneyline, to the totals.
NHL Stanley Cup - FAQs
What is the format of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
When was the last time a Canada-based team won the Stanley Cup?
How are the matchups determined in the Stanley Cup First Round?
