The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun with 16 teams looking to be the last one standing after four grueling rounds of playoff hockey action. TheFlorida Panthersreturn to defend their championship and are off to a strong start winning the first two games on the road against their cross-state rivalTampa Bay Lightning.The Panthers have the second-shortest odds behind only theCarolina Hurricanes, who have emerged as the Cup favorites and have a 2-1 series lead over the banged-upNew Jersey Devils.
The Toronto Maple Leafs,looking to snap the longest championship drought in NHL history, are up 3-1 on their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators,but the Senators took a dramatic Game 4 win in OT to extend the series. TheWashington Capitalstook care of business in Game 1 against theMontreal CanadienswithAlex Ovechkinscoring his first career playoff OT winner and are up 2-1 after Montreal won Game 3 at home, with Game 4 today.
In the West, two of the favorites clash in the first round as the Dallas Starstake on the Colorado Avalanchewith the teams trading wins in every game this series. TheWinnipeg Jetshave a 2-1 series lead on theSt. Louis Blues, while theMinnesota WildandVegas Golden Knightsare tied 2-2 in a series the odds consider a virtual toss-up. TheEdmonton Oilerslost both their opening road games to theLos Angeles Kingsbut won at home in Game 3 to get back into the race.
Last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Connor McDavid, won the top award for playoffs MVP despite his team not winning the championship but will first need to lead get his team past the Kings to have a chance to repeat. Below, you can see all of the top favorites for Conn Smythe, as well as the odds for every team to win their opening-round series, advance to, and to win the Stanley Cup.
Odds to win Conn Smythe trophy
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