The NHL playoffs are down to the final four teams, with both conference finals set and a lot of movement in Stanley Cup odds.
With the Eastern Conference series set to begin Wednesday night and the Western Conference final starting on Thursday, online sportsbooks have odds on everything from series winners to the eventual Stanley Cup winner.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the latest odds on the New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars series. You can also check out more Stanley Cup odds and read up on NHL betting sites.
Team analysis & breakdown
Here’s a look at the four teams still alive in the NHL playoffs, along with current Stanley Cup odds for each one. For those wondering how to bet on hockey during the postseason, keep reading.
Dallas Stars
The Stars made it as far as the Western Conference final last season before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup winners. This team has many of the same core elements but has looked stronger through these playoffs so far, eliminating the two most recent champs in the first two rounds.
Miro Heiskanen is the team’s points leader through this postseason, but the Stars’ fortunes really seem to hinge on goaltender Jake Oettinger. He’s played every game in these playoffs, posting an 8-5 record, and is currently second in total saves through the playoffs.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers won the Eastern Conference a year ago but dragged a battered and severely diminished squad into the Stanley Cup Final. When captain Matthew Tkachuk is healthy, he’s a difference-maker on the ice, as well as a player that opposing teams have to account for both before and after the whistle.
Especially in the Eastern Conference final, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is another key name. Of the 26 goals he’s allowed in this postseason, nearly half came in Florida’s only three losses. When he’s on, the Panthers are a tough team to beat.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have been a top Stanley Cup favorite on and off throughout the season, but consistency is what’s lacking. The top four spots on the current playoff points leaderboard are all occupied by Oilers, with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins dominating the scoring.
Still, the team has looked bad at times, with rumors of locker room discord following some ugly losses. There’s no doubt that Edmonton has talent, but the question is whether it can pull it all together on any given night.
New York Rangers
Despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy and making the Eastern Conference final with just two losses through the first two rounds, the Rangers are currently the biggest underdog left in the field. New York made it look easy while knocking off the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that headed into this postseason as a consistent Stanley Cup favorite. With Mika Zbanejad and Vincent Trochek both playing great hockey in the postseason, the team has some offensive firepower.
Between Matt Rempe and Jacob Trouba, New York is also a team that can hold its own physically. As usual, Igor Shesterkin has been excellent in net. No remaining team has a goaltender with a higher save percentage. One concern is penalty minutes, but the Rangers also have the second-highest penalty killing percentage, along with the third-highest power play percentage once the whistle blows the other way.
NHL playoff series odds
Eastern Conference final
Series winner
Series total games
Western Conference final
Series winner
Series total games
