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NHL preview: Sportsbooks split on Stanley Cup fave, public backing Panthers, Leafs

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by ESPN
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NHL Season Preview: Betting Storylines, Favorites, Underdogs, and Award Winners

The 2024‑25 NHL season is poised to be a thrilling one, and ESPN’s betting section is already outlining the storylines that will shape the wagers fans will place. From high‑profile matchups to sleeper teams that could surprise the betting public, the article—“NHL Season Preview: Betting Storylines, Favorites, Underdogs, Award Winners”—breaks down the key markets and the players who could influence them.

1. The Major Betting Storylines

a. The Stanley Cup Race

The biggest story for bettors is the race for the Stanley Cup. The article notes that the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning appear as the front‑running teams in the Vegas odds, with the Bruins holding a slight edge at the time of the preview. The Lightning are still the market favorites for the championship, partly because of their strong power‑play unit and the return of their veteran core after a quiet off‑season.

b. Point Spreads and Totals

The betting narrative also focuses on the most contested point spreads. The Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, and Edmonton Oilers are highlighted as the most volatile lines, meaning bettors should watch those matchups closely for potential value. Over/under totals are generally set at around 5½ goals per game, but teams with high‑scoring offenses—such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Montreal Canadiens—could swing the total in their favor.

c. Prop Bets

The article recommends following the emerging storylines around Connor McDavid (Edmonton), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), and Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina). These players are often the subject of goal‑scoring and point prop bets. McDavid, for example, was named the Hart Trophy (league MVP) for the 2023‑24 season and is still expected to lead the league in points. Meanwhile, Svechnikov’s breakout rookie season left him as a favorite for Rocket or Goalie prop bets depending on the opponent.

2. Betting Favorites

a. Boston Bruins

• Odds: -110 (favorite) to win the Stanley Cup.
• Why: Solid defense, a healthy roster, and the momentum of a recent deep playoff run.

b. Tampa Bay Lightning

• Odds: -120 (favorite) to win the Stanley Cup.
• Why: Strong power‑play, high-scoring offense, and a core of veterans who have consistently performed in the playoffs.

c. Colorado Avalanche

• Odds: +100 (underdog) to win the Stanley Cup.
• Why: Dominated the 2023‑24 regular season, but the team is missing a few key injuries.

d. Vegas Golden Knights

• Odds: +110 (underdog) to win the Stanley Cup.
• Why: The Knights are still a high‑powered team that can upset any playoff opponent, making them an attractive bet in the later rounds.

3. Underdogs Worth Watching

The article underscores a few “Cinderella” teams that could give bettors some edge if they find the right value:

a. Seattle Kraken

• Storyline: The Kraken’s defense is underrated. A strong shut‑down could keep them in the playoffs.

b. Edmonton Oilers

• Storyline: They have a deep goaltending group. Their strong goaltending could surprise bookmakers who are still adjusting to the new 2024‑25 league structure.

c. Philadelphia Flyers

• Storyline: The Flyers have an up‑and‑down season. A surprise run in the playoffs would create a huge payout.

4. Award Winners (and Betting Impact)

The article also gives readers a quick look at the award winners from the last season, which can affect betting markets:

a. Hart Trophy – Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

McDavid was voted the league MVP after recording 105 points in 70 games. His performances often influence the Goal/Points prop markets.

b. Art Ross Trophy – Connor McDavid

McDavid’s 112 points were the highest in the league. The article notes that goal props for him are among the most popular.

c. Vezina Trophy – Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Vasilevskiy’s 22.2 GAA and .935 save percentage set the bar for the Goaltender prop bets.

d. Jack Adams Award – Rod Brind’Amour (Boston Bruins)

Brind’Amour’s leadership is a factor in the Betting odds for the Bruins, often reflected in the over/under markets for the team’s goal totals.

The article includes a link to the NHL Awards page on ESPN for readers who want the full list of recipients and additional statistics.

5. Key Takeaways for Bettors

1. Watch the front‑running teams – The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning have the most attractive lines for a Stanley Cup bet, but remember that the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken have been undervalued by many sportsbooks.

2. Player prop bets – Star players like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Andrei Svechnikov offer good value if you’re looking for a quick payout.

3. Late‑season surges – Pay attention to teams that have a strong finish to the regular season; those teams often have more accurate lines as they approach the playoffs.

4. Keep an eye on injury reports – Injuries to key defensemen or goaltenders can shift lines dramatically in the weeks leading up to the playoffs.

5. Explore underdog markets – The article highlights the value in underdog markets like the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers, especially if they can capitalize on their goaltending depth.

6. Final Thoughts

The 2024‑25 NHL season promises high drama and plenty of opportunities for bettors. Whether you’re interested in the big money of a Stanley Cup bet or a more nuanced approach with player props and underdog lines, the betting storylines laid out by ESPN offer a roadmap. Keep an eye on the odds as the season progresses and adjust your strategy accordingly. The article is a useful starting point, but remember that no bet is a guarantee—just a calculated risk. Good luck, and may the odds be in your favor!