The NHL is expected to return near the end of July as the league and the player’s association have agreed on a brand new altered playoff format. With the playoffs starting soon, make sure to bookmark our free NHL picks page to get expert playoff predictions. The NHL will be jumping straight into the playoffs with bringing in 24 clubs that could bring home the Stanley Cup. The top four teams in the Eastern and Western Conference are guaranteed playoff spots and will face each other in a round-robin format to determine final seeding. On the other hand, the other 16 teams seeded from 5-12 in the East and West will square off in a best-of-five series at a neutral site. Below are those best of five series including odds to win them. If you live in a state that allows betting, make sure to check out our sportsbook bonuses for offers!
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins -195 (5) vs. Montreal Canadiens +155 (12)
Carolina Hurricanes -136 (6) vs. New York Rangers +110 (11)
New York Islanders -122 (7) vs. Florida Panthers +100 (10)
Toronto Maple Leafs -175 (8) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets +140 (9)
To win top seed: Boston +175, Tampa Bay +225, Washington +400, Philadelphia +450
Western Conference
Edmonton Oilers -167 (5) vs. Chicago Blackhawks +135 (12)
Nashville Predators -143 (6) vs. Arizona Coyotes +116 (11)
Vancouver Canucks -122 (7) vs. Minnesota Wild +100 (10)
Calgary Flames -118 (8) vs. Winnipeg Jets -106 (9)
To win top seed: St. Louis +225, Vegas +250, Colorado +260, Dallas +450
As we gear up for the return of the NHL, let’s also take an updated look at the 2020 Stanley Cup Championship odds. The Boston Bruins are the current favorites with the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens with the worst odds.
2020 Stanley Cup Odds
Boston Bruins 11-2
Vegas Golden Knights 6-1
Tampa Bay Lightning 13-2
St. Louis Blues 8-1
Washington Capitals 8-1
Colorado Avalanche 17-2
Philadelphia Flyers 12-1
Dallas Stars 15-1
Pittsburgh Penguins 15-1
Edmonton Oilers 25-1
Nashville Predators 25-1
Toronto Maple Leafs 25-1
Arizona Coyotes 40-1
Calgary Flames 40-1
New York Rangers 40-1
Carolina Hurricanes 50-1
Vancouver Canucks 50-1
Winnipeg Jets 50-1
Columbus Blue Jackets 60-1
Florida Panthers 60-1
Minnesota Wild 60-1
New York Islanders 60-1
Chicago Blackhawks 100-1
Montreal Canadiens 100-1
As you can see above, the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings are not listed as they will not be finishing off their 2020 season. At the moment there are currently ten cities that could be hosting these playoff series above. Those cities are Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Vancouver. So who are you betting on to win it all? Get your popcorn ready.
