2025 Stanley Cup first-round betting information: Props, picks, futures

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs start Saturday with 16 groups trying to etch their identify onto Lord Stanley’s Cup. Sergei Bobrovsky and the reigning champion Florida Panthers intention to defend their crown towards a crowded Japanese Convention area that features the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Winnipeg Jets, behind Vezina and Hart Trophy favourite Connor Hellebuyck, look to make their first Stanley Cup Ultimate look, however to take action, they must tackle the perfect of the West, together with latest champions the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, in addition to final season’s runner-up, the Edmonton Oilers. In the meantime, these Oilers will face the Los Angeles Kings for the fourth straight postseason.

The Washington Capitals have the highest spot within the East and are led by the NHL’s all-time main purpose scorer Alex Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky’s file on April 6.

With the stage set, we requested Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash for his or her finest guess from every of the first-round sequence in addition to to determine the highest Conn Smythe Trophy candidate from every workforce ought to it go on to play for the Stanley Cup.

All occasions Japanese. Odds correct as of time of publication. For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets
Sport 1: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Alberta; Saturday, 6 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Blues +1.5 (-175), Jets -1.5 (+145)

• Sequence winner: Blues (+180), Jets (-215)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+550), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+210)

Finest Guess: Kyle Connor most factors in sequence (+230). If Connor Hellebuyck continues to carry out as he has since October — and there is not ample cause to consider in any other case — the Blues may have problem getting an excessive amount of previous the runaway Vezina favourite. One does not string collectively a 2.00 GAA and .925 SV% by 63 video games by happenstance. Within the different crease, Jordan Binnington hasn’t been as stingy of late, conceding 12 objectives in his previous 4 video games. Ranked seventh within the league in whole factors, Connor has produced persistently all season lengthy. (Ok. Connor most pictures on purpose in sequence (-130) additionally appeals regardless of the extra modest payout.)

If the Blues win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Robert Thomas (200-1). If the Blues in some way handle to slay dragon after menacing dragon within the West en path to profitable all of it, their prime middle is more likely to deserve a hearty portion of the credit score. Nobody, not even Nikita Kucherov, has kicked in additional factors — 30 in 17 contests — since March 13. St. Louis is not even in a playoff dialog with out such an MVP-worthy efficiency from Thomas down the stretch.

If the Jets win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Connor Hellebuyck (+1200). Why overthink it? The perfect goalie within the NHL — a Hart favourite for a lot of — is the apparent candidate to jam one other piece of {hardware} in his cupboard this 12 months. The Jets will not final lengthy this spring if he flounders. — Matiash

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Sport 1: American Airways Heart, Dallas; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Avalanche -1.5 (+190), Stars +1.5 (-265)

• Sequence winner: Avalanche (-155), Stars (+135)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+270), six video games (+195), seven video games (+190)

Finest guess: Valeri Nichushkin sequence whole objectives OVER 2.5 (+120). The one manner Nichushkin does not rating a minimum of three objectives on this sequence is that if he falls harm or the set lasts solely 4 video games. In any other case, rocking out 21 in 43 video games on a 17.8% capturing share, he ought to higher that mark. Additionally, pressured to depart his workforce the previous two consecutive postseasons, the imposing energy ahead is more likely to really feel additional incentivized to make up for misplaced time.

Sequence unfold guess: Avalanche -1.5 (+115). The Stars aren’t bringing the perfect model of themselves to this dance. No Miro Heiskanen for many, if not all, of the primary spherical. Important ahead Jason Robertson was final noticed sporting a brace on his knee. Goalie Jake Oettinger has surrendered a complete of 17 objectives in 4 video games to wrap 2024-25. A wholesome Avalanche workforce — bolstered by key additions made all season lengthy — seems within the driver’s seat within the right here and now.

If the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Nathan MacKinnon (+1400). Anybody who believes the Avalanche holster shot at securing their second championship in 4 years would possibly as effectively instantly aspect with their strongest engine up entrance. After witnessing how a lot sway MacKinnon offered Canada within the latest 4 Nations Face Off, it is no nice stretch to see him kick in the identical affect for his NHL squad. Avs defenseman Cale Makar received it again in 2022. This flip may doubtless belong to the skater who averaged 1.47 factors/sport since puck drop in October.

If the Stars win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Wyatt Johnston (+4000). If Jason Robertson’s knee damage is wherever close to as dangerous because it seems, the Stars will want as a lot firepower as they will get from the gifted 21-year-old Johnston. Averaging basically 19 minutes per sport, Johnston racked up 33 objectives and 38 assists in 2024-25. In fact, the extra charming decide can be new ahead Mikko Rantanen (+3000). How a couple of Cup and piece of particular person {hardware} as an ending to what’s been a moderately dramatic few months for the previous Avalanche/Hurricane? — Matiash

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Sport 1: Lenovo Heart, Raleigh, N.C.; Sunday, 3 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Devils +1.5 (-160), Hurricanes -1.5 (+135)

• Sequence winner: Hurricanes (-275), Devils (+225)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+500), 5 video games (+230), six video games (+210), seven video games (+240)

Finest bets: The Devils have been treading water with out Jack Hughes since early March, sitting with the Twenty seventh-best file within the league since dropping their star ahead. Coasting into the playoffs and never getting Hughes again is leaving them with a tall order. Making issues worse, Alexander Nikishin is en route to bolster the Hurricanes with the perfect defender to return out of the KHL in a minimum of a era.

These groups cut up 4 regular-season conferences, however Hughes performed in all of them — so issues look loads completely different now. With the brand new take a look at the highest of the Devils’ lineup, Timo Meier is a strong guess to hold the offensive load. Meier to attain three or extra objectives within the sequence (+190) has probability to hit, even when New Jersey does not advance.

For an extended shot, Jack Roslovic is value a sprinkle. He leads all skaters in objectives from the regular-season sequence between these groups and is a +4000 decide to steer the sequence in objectives.

If the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Solely three gamers had extra game-winning objectives than Sebastian Aho (+4000) this season, and few gamers may match his effectivity, with 9 sport winners amongst his 29 whole objectives. However should you choose longer odds, the Hurricanes’ crease is perhaps the place to look. Each Frederik Andersen (100-1) and Pyotr Kochetkov (100-1) have the identical odds, however historical past suggests a timeshare will not work within the playoffs, so certainly one of them will emerge because the starter.

If the Devils win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Can we nonetheless give it to Jack Hughes? With out him, the Devils path solely the Canadiens for Cup odds, so an MVP decide here’s a lengthy shot both manner. Jacob Markstrom (100-1) must be an absolute hero for the Devils to make a run, so he is a pure first alternative. For an extended shot, Meier (500-1) picked up some slack with Hughes out, sharing the workforce purpose lead because the begin of March. — Allen

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Sport 1: Scotiabank Area, Toronto; Sunday, 7 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Senators +1.5 (-200), Maple Leafs -1.5 (+165)

• Sequence winner: Maple Leafs (-185), Senators (+155)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+200)

Finest bets: As sturdy an total common season because the Maple Leafs put up, the Senators have had their quantity all season. Throughout three video games, the Leafs managed solely three objectives. Linus Ullmark is a part of the issue. Going again three seasons, Ullmark is 5-1-0 towards the Leafs with a .931 save share. It is not utterly off the wall to have a look at the Sens as a first-round upset possibility, particularly given this Leafs workforce’s struggles come the postseason up to now.

Sequence unfold guess: Senators +2.5 (-340). This does not provide a high-margin payout however covers the doubtless eventualities right here. That can pay out (although at brief odds) whether or not the Sens lose 4-2, 4-3 or shock and win the sequence. As for scoring, Tim Stutzle had two tallies towards the Leafs throughout three video games within the common season, so taking Stutzle to attain two-plus objectives within the sequence (+110) is a tempting positive-odds provide. You may also get spicy and make it three-plus objectives (+325). What’s that? 4-plus objectives (+1100)? That is perhaps pushing it, however I just like the perspective.

If the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Regardless of the Leafs’ ending with a division title, oddsmakers nonetheless favor 9 different groups greater than Toronto heading into the playoffs. Which means we get some high-payout odds on a Maple Leaf profitable the Conn Smythe. Now, layer within the contract drama going through Toronto this offseason … You see the place that is going, proper? Mitch Marner (+5000) simply has to earn the playoff MVP if the Leafs go all the best way. If you need long-shot payout odds, contemplate John Tavares (200-1), as it will be equally as awkward for the Leafs, and his scoring this season has been classic Tavares (extra objectives per sport than Auston Matthews).

If the Senators win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? The large change for the Senators this offseason was the recruitment of a real No. 1 goaltender. So in the event that they beat the chances and hoist the trophy, it is in all probability going to be Linus Ullmark (100-1) who will get them there. — Allen

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Sport 1: T-Cellular Area, Paradise, Nevada; Sunday, 10 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Wild +1.5 (-165), Golden Knights -1.5 (+140)

• Sequence winner: Wild (+200), Golden Knights (-240)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+550), 5 video games (+240), six video games (+200), seven video games (+210)

Finest Guess: Jack Eichel to attain 3+ objectives and to file 4+ assists (+210). Does this sequence go six and even seven video games? The percentages counsel it ought to. If that’s the case, the Knights’ most prolific ahead — again in enterprise after a couple of contests off resulting from damage — stands a strong probability to test each containers. Having fun with the most efficient season of his profession with 28 objectives and 66 assists by 77 contests, the 28-year-old is totally certified to knock this combo out of the park if given sufficient alternatives to place up the numbers. It is also value noting Eichel has three objectives and two helpers versus the Wild in solely two matchups this common marketing campaign.

Sequence unfold guess: Golden Knights -1.5 (-110). Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson may steal one. An impressed efficiency from the Kirill Kaprizov/Joel Eriksson Ek combo would possibly translate to a second victory. However that might very effectively be it towards a Vegas workforce that, moderately quietly, completed solely six factors behind the Presidents’ Trophy winners within the standings.

If the Wild win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Kirill Kaprizov (+5000). For the Wild to carry any hope of advancing by the vicious gauntlet peppered with significantly intimidating hurdles within the West, their bona fide celebrity must be at his productive finest. An early Hart candidate earlier than falling to damage, Kaprizov paced out at 1.47 factors per sport in 34 contests. Now he seems again in wholesome kind. The Minnesota devoted higher hope that is really the case.

If the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Mark Stone (+5000). Whereas Jack Eichel (+2000) options as a worthy and favored choice, Stone sports activities higher worth as the center and soul of this Golden Knights squad. Eichel’s linemate isn’t solely able to denting the scoresheet with precious regularity — 67 factors in 66 video games this marketing campaign — but in addition serves as one of many sport’s finest two-way forwards. An impressed well-rounded displaying from the straw that always stirs Vegas’ drink will go an extended solution to securing the membership its second Cup in solely three years. — Matiash

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals
Sport 1: Capital One Area, Washington; Monday, 7 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Canadiens +1.5 (-275), Capitals -1.5 (+135)

• Sequence winner: Capitals (-280), Canadiens (+225)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+475), 5 video games (+230), six video games (+210), seven video games (+250)

Finest bets: Two groups that had been standard picks to overlook the playoffs earlier than the season now meet in a first-versus-eighth matchup within the East. However the Capitals earned their spot over 82 video games, and leaning on preseason expectations to name this sequence shut does not maintain up anymore. Whereas the Habs have been taking part in high-level hockey within the second half, the Caps have been doing it since October.

Sequence unfold bets: With dwelling ice to open, a manner to enhance the payout on the Capitals sequence win from -280 is to take the Capitals to win Sport 1 and win the sequence (-135). With all the ability on offense and shutdown goaltending from Logan Thompson, it is also tempting to take the sequence unfold on Washington at -2.5 (+200), which means the Caps win the sequence in 4 or 5 video games.

If the Capitals win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Sidney Crosby has two, so why would not Alex Ovechkin (+2500) wish to match him? Ovi has dialed the Ovechkin-ness to 11 this season, so there’s nothing stopping him from getting one other MVP if the Caps win, particularly as Conn Smythe winners are inclined to excel within the goal-scoring (or stopping) division. However within the odds-compared-to-importance-to-team division, there’s worth on the desk with Tom Wilson (150-1). With a couple of key objectives at key moments, Wilson may simply soar off the web page Justin Williams-style.

If the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? After the tales highlighting Ivan Demidov’s Conn Smythe clause in his contract, it is unlucky he is not among the many accessible alternatives within the sportsbook. The Habs are the longest of lengthy pictures at +7500 to win the Cup, so all of the MVP decisions are equally lengthy pictures. In reality, Nick Suzuki at 400-1 is the one alternative that is not 500-1. Given the worth placed on objectives, Cole Caufield or Patrik Laine might be the best way to lean. — Allen

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Sport 1: Crypto.com Area, Los Angeles; Monday, 10 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Oilers +1.5 (-275), Kings -1.5 (+200)

• Sequence winner: Oilers (-120), Kings (Even)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+270), six video games (+195), seven video games (+195)

Finest Guess: H2H most objectives Kevin Fiala over Zach Hyman (-115). Absent the ultimate full three video games of the common season with an undisclosed damage, Hyman hasn’t scored since March 27. Nonetheless no phrase on whether or not he’ll be able to go for Sport 1. Skating on a line with Quinton Byfield, Fiala has seven objectives in his previous eight contests. Modest quantity apart, generally it is wisest to take probably the most manifestly apparent path.

Sequence unfold guess: Kings -1.5 (+210). Harboring home-ice benefit on this set, the Kings have misplaced solely six(!) occasions in regulation at Crypto.com all season. The Oilers are badly, badly banged up, lacking a number of key figures together with defender Mattias Ekholm. L.A. in six hardly feels out of attain.

If the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Connor McDavid (+1600). He received the glory after they misplaced within the Ultimate to Florida — the primary participant to take action on a dropping workforce since 2003 — so simply think about if the Oilers handle to drag it off. For individuals who wish to cowl an additional base, Leon Draisaitl serves as a pleasant hedge at +2000. Assured, Edmonton will not endure lengthy this spring if its two elite skaters aren’t at their most harmful.

If the Kings win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Adrian Kempe (+6000). On a workforce largely constructed across the pursuit of stifling opponents as successfully as doable, Kempe tops the Kings’ offensive desk with 35 objectives and 38 helpers. He additionally has been at his most harmful to wrap 2024-25, with 15 factors in his previous 9 contests. If L.A. manages to grind its solution to hoisting the Cup by a collectively stingy effort, the top-line winger seems favored to face aside find the again of the opposition’s web extra usually than others. — Matiash

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.

Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Sport 1: Amalie Area, Tampa, Fla.; Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Lightning -1.5 (+190), Panthers +1.5 (-265)

• Sequence winner: Lightning (-105), Panthers (-115)

• Sequence size: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+200)

Finest bets: We attempt to not learn an excessive amount of into Sport 1 odds when evaluating a whole sequence, however outdoors of the ice-cold Stars within the West, the Lightning are proper there with the Kings because the least-favored dwelling workforce to open the playoffs. The Cats simply appear to have the Bolts’ playoff quantity. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 4-0-6 towards Florida within the common season over the previous three years and simply 1-4 within the playoffs throughout that span.

Among the many specials supplied, Nikita Kucherov to file seven or extra pictures on purpose in any sport (+225) has some intrigue. Towards the Panthers this season, he logged 9 shot makes an attempt twice, although he hit solely 5 pictures on purpose in two of these conferences — one being the sport wherein he was ejected for kneeing Matthew Tkachuk. Kucherov hit the seven-shot mark 4 occasions this season and had six or extra in 11 completely different video games, though these excessive totals did not come towards Florida.

Carter Verhaeghe additionally has a robust observe file towards this opponent. He has scored 4 objectives in 11 regular-season video games over the previous three seasons, plus one other 5 objectives of their five-game playoff sequence final spring. Provided that historical past, his +900 odds to steer the sequence in objectives provide a strong non-chalk possibility value a glance.

If the Lightning win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? This nearly definitely needs to be Kucherov (+3,000), as it will really feel merciless for Kucherov to not lastly get one to match his buddies’ trophies. Andrei Vasilevskiy (+3000) and Victor Hedman (150-1) each have already got a Conn Smythe from 2021 and 2020, so that is Kucherov’s flip if the Bolts can add one other title to their dynasty.

If the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? If the Panthers are the workforce to make it six consecutive years with a Florida workforce within the Ultimate, they’re spoiled for decisions on the subject of MVP. In reality, 4 of the highest 20 gamers with the perfect odds to win the Conn Smythe play for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky (+2500) was robbed of the trophy final season, so he has improved possibilities this time round if it is shut. As for lengthy pictures, remember that Gustav Forsling (400-1) was being mentioned as a shock winner because the Panthers superior final season. — Allen

For up to date odds and markets, go to ESPN BET.