2024 Stanley Cup Futures Betting Preview

The competition for the top of the NHL standings has been neck-and-neck this season, which is brilliant for diversity but also leaves it uncertain as to which teams are genuine contenders for the championship. This season, six teams are the frontrunners with odds between +600* and +900*.

Even though the Stanley Cup playoffs are known for surprises and unpredictability, the champion has often emerged from the teams with pre-playoff odds shorter than +1000.

In the last 18 seasons, at the onset of the playoffs, the champions have had pre-playoff odds shorter than +1000 in twelve instances.

During this period, there was one champion, the 2011-2012 Los Angeles Kings, with pre-playoff odds longer than +2000: they had a robust statistical profile despite a less impressive regular-season record.

This scenario indicates several potential contenders for the Stanley Cup this season.

Here’s a breakdown of some top picks, good value bets, and dark horses.

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HURRICANES AND PANTHERS ARE STANLEY CUP FAVORITES

In part because the pathway through the Eastern Conference seems less daunting, the Hurricanes and Panthers are tipped as favorites. Conversely, even the lower-seeded playoff teams from the Western Conference have shown stronger season performances, marked by distinctly positive goal differentials, unlike Eastern contenders like the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals.

Hence, the Carolina Hurricanes emerge as a strong candidate. As per Natural Stat Trick, the Hurricanes lead the NHL with a score-and-venue-adjusted shot attempt percentage of 60.3 percent and an expected goals percentage of 57.5 percent, showcasing their credentials as championship contenders.

Carolina boasts dominant puck control. They've made it to the Conference Finals twice in the past five seasons under coach Rod Brind’Amour, often bemoaning the lack of a pivotal scorer. The acquisition of Jake Guentzel, a winger with more than a point per game, might just be what they needed.

Additionally, the Hurricanes have brought in Evgeny Kuznetsov from Washington. While his output has been modest, his significant contribution to Washington's 2017-2018 Stanley Cup victory—32 points in 24 games—could provide the secondary scoring needed by Carolina.

The Hurricanes are currently pegged at +650* to clinch the Stanley Cup.

The Florida Panthers, having lost to Vegas in the previous Stanley Cup Final, continue their streak as formidable contenders for the fourth consecutive season. They follow closely behind the Hurricanes in shot attempts and expected goals, ranking second and fifth respectively.

A stellar season by winger Sam Reinhart, netting 57 goals, and a possibly career-best performance from goalie Sergei Bobrovsky since his second Vezina Trophy win in 2016-2017 have bolstered the Panthers.

Their challenge lies in the first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, setting up a fierce rivalry but also pitting them against one of the most seasoned playoff teams.

The Panthers are listed at +690* to win the Stanley Cup.

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OILERS, AVALANCHE AND STARS ARE TOPS IN WESTERN CONFERENCE

In the Western Conference, reaching the Final seems a taller order, making the championship odds steeper.

The Edmonton Oilers, listed at +725* to win the Cup, are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time, having made it to the Conference Finals once. With stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton is poised for a title run.

Their strong possession stats—third in shot attempt percentage and second in expected goals percentage during five-on-five play—complement one of the league's best power plays.

The Oilers face a challenging path to the championship.

Even as the Central Division's third seed, the Colorado Avalanche are seen as contenders, partly due to their 2022 Stanley Cup win and the presence of top-tier talents like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen.

Though not as commanding in puck possession—sixth in shot attempts and ninth in expected goals—their metrics improve significantly when wingers Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen are fit.

In tight postseason games, having players who can turn a series is crucial, and the Avalanche's stars are game-changers.

The Avalanche are at +750* to claim the championship.

The Dallas Stars have surged to the top of the Central Division, exhibiting strong puck possession—fifth in shot attempts and third in expected goals.

With a balanced roster of seasoned and emerging talents, the Stars have been consistent all season. Rookie winger Logan Stankoven's promotion from the AHL and second-year center Wyatt Johnston's improved performance have strengthened their lineup.

While goalie Jake Oettinger has had a mixed season, his exceptional form in the season's final stretch suggests the Stars are genuine contenders.

The Stars have odds of +815* to secure the Stanley Cup.

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RIDE THE LIGHTNING FOR POTENTIAL VALUE

Although it’s unusual for a team with odds over +2000 to win the Stanley Cup, the Tampa Bay Lightning, with a championship pedigree (winners in 2020 and 2021 and finalists in 2022), might be worth a punt.

Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, pivotal in Tampa's previous successes, had to recover from back surgery at the season's start but has returned to form recently.

With key players like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman still in the mix, a well-performing Vasilevskiy could see the Lightning making significant playoff noise.

Despite not matching other top contenders in underlying stats and missing key defenseman Mikhail Sergachev due to injury, the Lightning, with odds of +2300*, could represent good value.

ARE PREDATORS A LONG SHOT CUP CONTENDER?

While true long shots rarely clinch the title, the Nashville Predators, a wildcard team from the Western Conference that has excelled post-All-Star break, could be an intriguing bet. They famously went on an 18-game point streak after a team event in Las Vegas was canceled.

Goalie Juuse Saros, though not as sharp this season, remains a competent starter capable of tilting a playoff series.

The combination of stalwart defenseman Roman Josi and winger Filip Forsberg, along with the leadership of 2018-2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly (a 2019 Stanley Cup champion with St. Louis), gives the Predators a fighting chance as underdogs, despite a tough path ahead.

The Preds are quoted at +4000* to win the Stanley Cup.

Now you know this week's Stanley Cup Futures Betting Preview. Sign Up Now or click HERE to play at 7x7Bets, the most reliable and trustworthy online casino in India. Don't forget to claim your withdrawable real money welcome deposit bonus, weekly cashback bonus and referral bonus!