With all the madness of the NHL playoffs comes abrupt changes to the Stanley Cup odds, and we're already seeing plenty of movement as Round 1 action concluded Saturday. It's unsure to tell who will walk away the winner, but one thing for certain is a new team will have its name engraved on the Cup after Vegas was sent home empty-handed.
As the 2024 NHL playoffs move into the second round, NHL odds will see daily shifts, so check this page for updated Stanley Cup predictions and odds as the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup motors on.
NHL Stanley Cup winner predictions 2024
The Carolina Hurricanes have been white hot since the return of Frederik Andersen, and they seem to be piecing things together at the right time. Hot goaltending is key to a long playoff run, and as long as Andersen stays healthy, the Canes have a serious chance of winning three more rounds. With that said, they'll have to put the Game 1 loss to New York in the rearview mirror and be ready for Game 2.
One team that may be able to break that mould, however, is the Edmonton Oilers. They don't need Stuart Skinner to play lights out if their offense continues to light up opposing netminders, and that's exactly what got the Oilers by in Round 1. Books now have Edmonton priced as the favorite to win the whole damn thing.
NHL playoff series odds
All odds courtesy of bet365 as of 5-6
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers series odds and predictions
| Team | To win | To win in 4 | To win in 5 | To win in 6 | To win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hurricanes |
-155 | +750 | +500 | +375 | +500 |
 Rangers |
+130 | +1,200 | +800 | +650 | +500 |
The New York Rangers brought out the brooms against the Washington Capitals, but let's not sit here and pretend that was a meaningful accomplishment. The Rangers are very top-heavy offensively and have arguably the best netminder in the world, but the Carolina Hurricanes are no slouches.
Their offense is much deeper and Frederik Andersen can hold his own. In the postseason, we've seen it's not what your top lines can give you but your third and fourth lines, and that's where I think the momentum will swing Carolina's way. There's a reason the Canes are favored to win the Cup, and New York isn't.
Pick: Hurricanes in 6 (+375)
Pick made on 5-4.
Also read: Neil Parker's Hurricanes/Rangers series preview
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers series odds and predictions
| Team | To win | To win in 4 | To win in 5 | To win in 6 | To win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bruins |
+175 | +2,200 | +1,100 | +600 | +650 |
 Panthers |
-210 | +700 | +375 | +425 | +400 |
As I was sitting in my friend's garage, seven BBQ hot dogs deep, watching Game 7 — don't judge me — I couldn't help but think just how these teams were playing for the golden opportunity to get ass-waxed by the Panthers. The Leafs' offense has about as much depth as an Adam Sandler rom-com, and watching Boston struggle to get anything by, ahem, Ilya Samsonov was truly laughable.
The Cats have strong netminding, scoring depth, strong defense, and a point to prove after losing in the Cup Final last year. Let's also not forget they just walked all over Tampa.
The Bruins avoided the embarrassment of blowing two straight 3-1 leads, but what Florida is about to do to them might be worse. Leafs fans, sit back and enjoy the beating that's about to place — because we all know you aren't getting any pleasure from watching your own team.
Pick: Panthers to win series (-210)
Pick made on 5-6.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks series odds and predictions
| Team | To win | To win in 4 | To win in 5 | To win in 6 | To win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oilers |
-250 | +550 | +350 | +320 | +450 |
 Canucks |
+205 | +1,600 | +1,200 | +850 | +650 |
The Los Angeles Kings were a good team this season and were absolutely bitched by the Oilers. Meanwhile, the Canucks are down two netminders and were able to squeak by an okay offense of the Predators. The Canucks are no longer defending Nashville, they're defending the best player in the world and the Oilers' elite attack.
Vancouver will need to turn this series into a shootout and hope its netminder can stop more than Stuart Skinner, but I don't think that's in the cards in this all-Canadian matchup.
Pick: Oilers in 5 (+350)
Pick made on 5-4.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars series odds and predictions
| Team | To win | To win in 4 | To win in 5 | To win in 6 | To win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Avalanche |
+105 | +1,100 | +700 | +500 | +500 |
 Stars |
-125 | +850 | +500 | +450 | +425 |
Now this is what I'm talking about. Two teams loaded to the teeth, ready to go to war in Round 2 of the playoffs, and compelling reasons why both should win. Dallas did the hockey world a favor and took all of the Golden Knights' chips, backed by the stellar play of Jake Oettinger.
You know who else had a really good goaltender? The Winnipeg Jets... who were absolutely tormented by the Avs and got lit up for five-plus goals in all five games. With that said, I believe the Stars are much deeper and can provide Oettinger with more protection along with more offense. I don't feel comfortable choosing an outright winner, but I do think this series has Game 7 written all over it.
Pick: Series total games Over 6.5 (+190)
Pick made on 5-6.
Stanley Cup 2023-24 winning Conference odds
Odds as of 5-6.
The Florida Panthers (+480) have the best odds to win the Stanley Cup among Eastern Conference Contenders, while the Boston Bruins (+1,100) have the worst. As for the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers (+430) stand on top, while the Clorado Avalanche (+600) odds aren't as great.
Pick: Eastern Conference (+100)
Picks made on 4-17.
2023-24 Stanley Cup champion: Canadian teams vs the Field odds
Odds as of 5-6.
If a Canadian team doesn't win this year, it'll mark 31 years since the feat was last accomplished, but the Edmonton Oilers (+430) have the best chance to end that drought — unlike the Vancouver Canucks (+1,500).
As much as I do love the Oilers, I can't see a world where they get through the West. I think teams like Dallas and Vegas are more prepared for a deep playoff run, and I see the Canadian drought continuing.
Pick: Field (-390)
Picks made on 4-17.
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Stanley Cup favorites
- Edmonton Oilers +450
- Florida Panthers +450
- Carolina Hurricanes +550
- Dallas Stars +550
- New York Rangers +550
- Colorado Avalanche +600
- Boston Bruins +900
- Vancouver Canucks +1,600
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction.
Stanley Cup Predictions FAQ
The Edmonton Oilers are currently predicted to win the Stanley Cup.
Aside from the Edmonton Oilers, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes have the best odds among contenders.
As of right now, the Colorado Avalanche are +105 to beat the Dallas Stars in the second round.
Team defense, strength of goaltending, injuries, and playoff experience are good factors to consider when making Stanley Cup predictions.
