The race for the Stanley Cup is the major highlight of any season, and an NHL bet on the eventual champions is one of the most popular ice hockey wagers there is. The intensity ramps up in the NHL Playoffs, as the action is faster and more furious than regular-season matches. It's an action-packed time of the campaign, and it's also when new markets for NHL odds arrive on the scene.
History of the NHL Playoffs
Professional hockey teams were first permitted to compete for the Stanley Cup in 1906, having first been commissioned for amateur clubs in 1892.
Only twice in NHL Stanley Cup playoff history has a Canadian team failed to reach the postseason. As of 2023, the title drought for Canadian teams had reached three decades since the Montreal Canadiens lifted the trophy in 1993.
The Montreal Canadiens are the all-time leaders in Stanley Cup Playoff appearances and the only team to have won over 20 Stanley Cup titles. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings are the only other two NHL franchises to have reached double figures.
The biggest individual honour during the playoffs is the Conn Smythe Trophy, the MVP Award for the NHL postseason. It's a popular NHL betting market for hockey odds and stands alongside other NHL awards like the Calder Memorial Trophy for the top rookie.
2024 NHL Playoffs Overview[h2/]
Once again, teams will feel the heat on the ice as many familiar names from the previous season's playoffs make another run. It takes time for franchises to become consistent NHL playoff teams, something the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Boston Bruins have done in recent seasons.
That playoff experience can go a long way towards reaching the title. Expect some almighty comebacks, enthralling game sevens, plenty of power play opportunities, and players putting their bodies on the line night after night.
NHL Betting Markets
Come the postseason, new NHL odds appear for the outcome of each series. These ice-hockey betting markets are options for forecasting exactly how an NHL playoff series will end. The most popular NHL winning bet option for a series is the straightforward 'To Win Series' option.
An alternative 4-0 option in the 'Series Correct Score' market would predict a blowout, while Over 5.5 in the 'Series Total Games' would be forecasting a tight contest. There are plenty of other options for NHL winning bet markets, too, such as:
- Winning Division
- Series Total Games
- Series Total Games Over/Under
- Series Correct Score
NHL winning bet options for playoff odds don't stop there. Regular NHL betting markets are still in force, from the 'Match Result' market to the 'First Goalscorer' and 'Total Goals' per game. There are also NHL odds on prop bets for team and player performances, like the number of shots on target. Also, several market options can be pulled together in a same-game wager for NHL betting.
NHL Betting Tips
Form is the most important factor to look for when trying to select an NHL winning bet in the playoffs. A team that lost five of its last seven regular-season matches could struggle to get its groove back in the tougher playoff arena, whereas a team that put on a four-match winning streak to secure playoff hockey would have great momentum.
Another key factor in NHL playoff betting is analysing teams' performance in the last few years. For example, a team that has reached the Conference Finals in three of the last four seasons indicates a big force and potentially better value than a first-time playoff team.
As of 2024, no wild card team had ever won the Stanley Cup, so outsiders in the NHL winning bet options for the Stanley Cup genuinely have it tough. Unsurprisingly, the most successful seed in the first round has been the number one seed.
The NHL playoff odds will be available at the same time as Ice Hockey World Championship odds but they don't impact playoff betting. Players only go to the World Championship once their NHL season is over.
NHL Playoff Odds 2024
The reigning champions are the Vegas Golden Knights, who are back in the playoffs as a wildcard. Check out all current NHL Playoff odds for 2024 at Betsafe, starting with betting on the NHL Playoffs first round:
- Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
- Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders
- Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
Betting on NHL Playoffs
The Carolina Hurricanes hit the postseason as the 'Stanley Cup Winner' outright favourites in NHL playoff odds 2024. Of the other main contenders, NYR's extremely deep roster should help them through tight situations and look like a strong option for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
Another team to note are the Florida Panthers, who looked impressive going into the bracket. The seasoned Colorado Avalanche are a team no one ever fancies meeting and werethe pick of the outsiders for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
NHL Playoff Format
Qualified teams are split into separate brackets based on conference and division and organised by seeding. All match-ups are best-of-seven series, with the Western and Eastern Conference champions meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals.
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