2025 Stanley Cup first-round making a bet information: Absolute best bets and Conn

• Sean Allen

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  Sean Allen

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  Sean Allen is a contributing author for fable hockey and making a bet at ESPN. He used to be the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Creator of the Yr.

• Victoria Matiash

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  Victoria Matiash

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  Victoria Matiash is a contributing author for fable hockey and making a bet at ESPN. Victoria has been part of the fable workforce since 2010.

Apr 19, 2025, 08:00 AM ET

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs start Saturday with 16 groups having a look to etch their title onto Lord Stanley’s Cup. Sergei Bobrovsky and the reigning champion Florida Panthers purpose to shield their crown in opposition to a crowded Jap Convention box that comes with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Winnipeg Jets, at the back of Vezina and Hart Trophy favourite Connor Hellebuyck, glance to make their first Stanley Cup Ultimate look, however to take action, they are going to must tackle the most efficient of the West, together with fresh champions the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, in addition to remaining season’s runner-up, the Edmonton Oilers. In the meantime, the ones Oilers will face the Los Angeles Kings for the fourth instantly postseason.

The Washington Capitals have the tip spot within the East and are led by way of the NHL’s all-time main target scorer Alex Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky’s document on April 6.

With the degree set, we requested Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash for his or her preferrred guess from each and every of the first-round sequence in addition to to spot the tip Conn Smythe Trophy candidate from each and every workforce must it cross directly to play for the Stanley Cup.

All occasions Jap. Odds correct as of time of e-newsletter. For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets
Sport 1: Canada Existence Centre, Winnipeg, Alberta; Saturday, 6 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Blues +1.5 (-175), Jets -1.5 (+145)

• Sequence winner: Blues (+180), Jets (-215)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+550), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+210)

Absolute best Guess: Kyle Connor maximum issues in sequence (+230). If Connor Hellebuyck continues to accomplish as he has since October — and there is not considerable explanation why to imagine in a different way — the Blues can have problem getting an excessive amount of previous the runaway Vezina favourite. One does not string in combination a 2.00 GAA and .925 SV% via 63 video games by way of happenstance. Within the different crease, Jordan Binnington hasn’t been as stingy of overdue, conceding 12 objectives in his previous 4 video games. Ranked 7th within the league in overall issues, Connor has produced constantly all season lengthy. (Okay. Connor maximum pictures on target in sequence (-130) additionally appeals regardless of the extra modest payout.)

If the Blues win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Robert Thomas (200-1). If the Blues one way or the other arrange to slay dragon after menacing dragon within the West en path to successful all of it, their peak heart is more likely to deserve a hearty portion of the credit score. Nobody, no longer even Nikita Kucherov, has kicked in additional issues — 30 in 17 contests — since March 13. St. Louis is not even in a playoff dialog with out such an MVP-worthy efficiency from Thomas down the stretch.

If the Jets win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Connor Hellebuyck (+1200). Why overthink it? The most efficient goalie within the NHL — a Hart favourite for plenty of — is the most obvious candidate to jam any other piece of {hardware} in his cupboard this yr. The Jets may not remaining lengthy this spring if he flounders. — Matiash

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Sport 1: American Airways Heart, Dallas; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Avalanche -1.5 (+190), Stars +1.5 (-265)

• Sequence winner: Avalanche (-155), Stars (+135)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+270), six video games (+195), seven video games (+190)

Absolute best guess: Valeri Nichushkin sequence overall objectives OVER 2.5 (+120). The one method Nichushkin does not ranking no less than 3 objectives on this sequence is that if he falls harm or the set lasts best 4 video games. Another way, rocking out 21 in 43 video games on a 17.8% capturing proportion, he must higher that mark. Additionally, compelled to go away his workforce the previous two consecutive postseasons, the implementing energy ahead is more likely to really feel further incentivized to make up for misplaced time.

Sequence unfold guess: Avalanche -1.5 (+115). The Stars are not bringing the most efficient model of themselves to this dance. No Miro Heiskanen for many, if no longer all, of the 1st around. Crucial ahead Jason Robertson used to be remaining noticed dressed in a brace on his knee. Goalie Jake Oettinger has surrendered a complete of 17 objectives in 4 video games to wrap 2024-25. A wholesome Avalanche workforce — strengthened by way of key additions made all season lengthy — seems within the motive force’s seat within the right here and now.

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If the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Nathan MacKinnon (+1400). Someone who believes the Avalanche holster a excellent shot at securing their 2d championship in 4 years would possibly as nicely straight away aspect with their maximum robust engine up entrance. After witnessing how a lot sway MacKinnon equipped Canada within the fresh 4 International locations Face Off, it is no nice stretch to look him kick in the similar affect for his NHL squad. Avs defenseman Cale Makar received it again in 2022. This flip may just most probably belong to the skater who averaged 1.47 issues/recreation since puck drop in October.

If the Stars win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Wyatt Johnston (+4000). If Jason Robertson’s knee damage is anyplace close to as dangerous as apparently, the Stars will want as a lot firepower as they are able to get from the talented 21-year-old Johnston. Averaging necessarily 19 mins in line with recreation, Johnston racked up 33 objectives and 38 assists in 2024-25. In fact, the extra fascinating pick out could be new ahead Mikko Rantanen (+3000). How a couple of Cup and piece of particular person {hardware} as an finishing to what is been a moderately dramatic few months for the previous Avalanche/Typhoon? — Matiash

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Sport 1: Lenovo Heart, Raleigh, N.C.; Sunday, 3 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Devils +1.5 (-160), Hurricanes -1.5 (+135)

• Sequence winner: Hurricanes (-275), Devils (+225)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+500), 5 video games (+230), six video games (+210), seven video games (+240)

Absolute best bets: The Devils were treading water with out Jack Hughes since early March, sitting with the Twenty seventh-best document within the league since dropping their famous person ahead. Coasting into the playoffs and no longer getting Hughes again is leaving them with a tall order. Making issues worse, Alexander Nikishin is en path to enhance the Hurricanes with the most efficient defender to come back out of the KHL in no less than a technology.

Those groups cut up 4 regular-season conferences, however Hughes performed in they all — so issues glance so much other now. With the brand new have a look at the tip of the Devils’ lineup, Timo Meier is a forged guess to hold the offensive load. Meier to attain 3 or extra objectives within the sequence (+190) has an excellent chance to hit, even though New Jersey does not advance.

For an extended shot, Jack Roslovic is price a sprinkle. He leads all skaters in objectives from the regular-season sequence between those groups and is a +4000 pick out to guide the sequence in objectives.

If the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Handiest 3 avid gamers had extra game-winning objectives than Sebastian Aho (+4000) this season, and few avid gamers may just fit his potency, with 9 recreation winners amongst his 29 overall objectives. However in case you choose longer odds, the Hurricanes’ crease may well be where to seem. Each Frederik Andersen (100-1) and Pyotr Kochetkov (100-1) have the similar odds, however historical past suggests a timeshare may not paintings within the playoffs, so certainly one of them will emerge because the starter.

If the Devils win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Are we able to nonetheless give it to Jack Hughes? With out him, the Devils path best the Canadiens for Cup odds, so an MVP pick out here’s a lengthy shot both method. Jacob Markstrom (100-1) must be an absolute hero for the Devils to make a run, so he is a herbal first selection. For an extended shot, Meier (500-1) picked up some slack with Hughes out, sharing the workforce target lead for the reason that get started of March. — Allen

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Sport 1: Scotiabank Enviornment, Toronto; Sunday, 7 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Senators +1.5 (-200), Maple Leafs -1.5 (+165)

• Sequence winner: Maple Leafs (-185), Senators (+155)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+200)

Absolute best bets: As robust an general steady season because the Maple Leafs submit, the Senators have had their quantity all season. Throughout 3 video games, the Leafs controlled best 3 objectives. Linus Ullmark is a part of the issue. Going again 3 seasons, Ullmark is 5-1-0 in opposition to the Leafs with a .931 save proportion. It isn’t utterly off the wall to have a look at the Sens as a first-round disappointed choice, particularly given this Leafs workforce’s struggles come the postseason previously.

Sequence unfold guess: Senators +2.5 (-340). This does not be offering a high-margin payout however covers the most probably situations right here. That can pay out (even though at brief odds) whether or not the Sens lose 4-2, 4-3 or marvel and win the sequence. As for scoring, Tim Stutzle had two tallies in opposition to the Leafs throughout 3 video games within the steady season, so taking Stutzle to attain two-plus objectives within the sequence (+110) is a tempting positive-odds be offering. You’ll additionally get highly spiced and make it three-plus objectives (+325). What is that? 4-plus objectives (+1100)? That may well be pushing it, however I love the angle.

If the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Regardless of the Leafs’ completing with a department identify, oddsmakers nonetheless want 9 different groups greater than Toronto heading into the playoffs. That implies we get some high-payout odds on a Maple Leaf successful the Conn Smythe. Now, layer within the contract drama dealing with Toronto this offseason … You notice the place that is going, proper? Mitch Marner (+5000) simply has to earn the playoff MVP if the Leafs cross all of the method. If you wish to have long-shot payout odds, believe John Tavares (200-1), as it could be similarly as awkward for the Leafs, and his scoring this season has been antique Tavares (extra objectives in line with recreation than Auston Matthews).

If the Senators win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? The massive exchange for the Senators this offseason used to be the recruitment of a real No. 1 goaltender. So in the event that they beat the percentages and hoist the trophy, it is most definitely going to be Linus Ullmark (100-1) who will get them there. — Allen

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Sport 1: T-Cell Enviornment, Paradise, Nevada; Sunday, 10 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Wild +1.5 (-165), Golden Knights -1.5 (+140)

• Sequence winner: Wild (+200), Golden Knights (-240)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+550), 5 video games (+240), six video games (+200), seven video games (+210)

Absolute best Guess: Jack Eichel to attain 3+ objectives and to document 4+ assists (+210). Does this sequence cross six and even seven video games? The chances counsel it must. If that is so, the Knights’ maximum prolific ahead — again in trade after a couple of contests off because of damage — stands a forged likelihood to test each bins. Playing the most efficient season of his profession with 28 objectives and 66 assists via 77 contests, the 28-year-old is absolutely certified to knock this combo out of the park if given sufficient alternatives to position up the numbers. It is usually price noting Eichel has 3 objectives and two helpers as opposed to the Wild in best two matchups this steady marketing campaign.

Sequence unfold guess: Golden Knights -1.5 (-110). Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson may just scouse borrow one. An impressed efficiency from the Kirill Kaprizov/Joel Eriksson Ek combo would possibly translate to a 2d victory. However that might rather well be it in opposition to a Vegas workforce that, moderately quietly, completed best six issues at the back of the Presidents’ Trophy winners within the standings.

If the Wild win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Kirill Kaprizov (+5000). For the Wild to carry any hope of advancing throughout the vicious gauntlet peppered with significantly intimidating hurdles within the West, their bona fide famous person must be at his productive preferrred. An early Hart candidate ahead of falling to damage, Kaprizov paced out at 1.47 issues in line with recreation in 34 contests. Now he seems again in wholesome shape. The Minnesota devoted higher hope that is really the case.

If the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Mark Stone (+5000). Whilst Jack Eichel (+2000) options as a worthy and preferred variety, Stone sports activities higher price as the center and soul of this Golden Knights squad. Eichel’s linemate is not just able to denting the scoresheet with treasured regularity — 67 issues in 66 video games this marketing campaign — but additionally serves as one of the crucial game’s preferrred two-way forwards. An impressed well-rounded appearing from the straw that steadily stirs Vegas’ drink will cross an extended strategy to securing the membership its 2d Cup in best 3 years. — Matiash

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals
Sport 1: Capital One Enviornment, Washington; Monday, 7 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Canadiens +1.5 (-275), Capitals -1.5 (+135)

• Sequence winner: Capitals (-280), Canadiens (+225)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+475), 5 video games (+230), six video games (+210), seven video games (+250)

Absolute best bets: Two groups that have been common choices to leave out the playoffs ahead of the season now meet in a first-versus-eighth matchup within the East. However the Capitals earned their spot over 82 video games, and leaning on preseason expectancies to name this sequence shut does not hang up anymore. Whilst the Habs were taking part in high-level hockey in the second one part, the Caps were doing it since October.

Sequence unfold bets: With domestic ice to open, a strategy to strengthen the payout at the Capitals sequence win from -280 is to take the Capitals to win Sport 1 and win the sequence (-135). With all of the energy on offense and shutdown goaltending from Logan Thompson, it is usually tempting to take the sequence unfold on Washington at -2.5 (+200), which means the Caps win the sequence in 4 or 5 video games.

If the Capitals win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Sidney Crosby has two, so why would not Alex Ovechkin (+2500) need to fit him? Ovi has dialed the Ovechkin-ness to 11 this season, so there may be not anything preventing him from getting any other MVP if the Caps win, particularly as Conn Smythe winners have a tendency to excel within the goal-scoring (or fighting) division. However within the odds-compared-to-importance-to-team division, there may be price at the desk with Tom Wilson (150-1). With a couple of key objectives at key moments, Wilson may just simply leap off the web page Justin Williams-style.

If the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? After the tales highlighting Ivan Demidov’s Conn Smythe clause in his contract, it is unlucky he isn’t some of the to be had picks within the sportsbook. The Habs are the longest of lengthy pictures at +7500 to win the Cup, so all of the MVP possible choices are similarly lengthy pictures. In reality, Nick Suzuki at 400-1 is the one selection that is not 500-1. Given the worth placed on objectives, Cole Caufield or Patrik Laine is most definitely easy methods to lean. — Allen

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Sport 1: Crypto.com Enviornment, Los Angeles; Monday, 10 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Oilers +1.5 (-275), Kings -1.5 (+200)

• Sequence winner: Oilers (-120), Kings (Even)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+270), six video games (+195), seven video games (+195)

Absolute best Guess: H2H maximum objectives Kevin Fiala over Zach Hyman (-115). Absent the overall complete 3 video games of the steady season with an undisclosed damage, Hyman hasn’t scored since March 27. Nonetheless no phrase on whether or not he’s going to be able to head for Sport 1. Skating on a line with Quinton Byfield, Fiala has seven objectives in his previous 8 contests. Modest quantity apart, occasionally it is wisest to take essentially the most manifestly glaring trail.

Sequence unfold guess: Kings -1.5 (+210). Harboring home-ice benefit on this set, the Kings have misplaced best six(!) occasions in law at Crypto.com all season. The Oilers are badly, badly banged up, lacking a number of key figures together with defender Mattias Ekholm. L.A. in six rarely feels out of succeed in.

If the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Connor McDavid (+1600). He received the honour once they misplaced within the Ultimate to Florida — the 1st participant to take action on a dropping workforce since 2003 — so simply believe if the Oilers arrange to drag it off. For individuals who need to quilt an additional base, Leon Draisaitl serves as a pleasant hedge at +2000. Assured, Edmonton may not bear lengthy this spring if its two elite skaters are not at their most deadly.

If the Kings win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? Adrian Kempe (+6000). On a workforce in large part constructed across the pursuit of stifling fighters as successfully as imaginable, Kempe tops the Kings’ offensive desk with 35 objectives and 38 helpers. He additionally has been at his most deadly to wrap 2024-25, with 15 issues in his previous 9 contests. If L.A. manages to grind its strategy to hoisting the Cup via a jointly stingy effort, the top-line winger seems preferred to face aside to find the again of the opposition’s web extra steadily than others. — Matiash

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.

Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Sport 1: Amalie Enviornment, Tampa, Fla.; Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.

• Sport 1 puck line: Lightning -1.5 (+190), Panthers +1.5 (-265)

• Sequence winner: Lightning (-105), Panthers (-115)

• Sequence period: 4 video games (+600), 5 video games (+260), six video games (+200), seven video games (+200)

Absolute best bets: We attempt to not learn an excessive amount of into Sport 1 odds when comparing a complete sequence, however outdoor of the ice-cold Stars within the West, the Lightning are proper there with the Kings because the least-favored domestic workforce to open the playoffs. The Cats simply appear to have the Bolts’ playoff quantity. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 4-0-6 in opposition to Florida within the steady season over the last 3 years and simply 1-4 within the playoffs all the way through that span.

Some of the specials presented, Nikita Kucherov to document seven or extra pictures on target in any recreation (+225) has some intrigue. Towards the Panthers this season, he logged 9 shot makes an attempt two times, even though he hit best 5 pictures on target in two of the ones conferences — one being the sport during which he used to be ejected for kneeing Matthew Tkachuk. Kucherov hit the seven-shot mark 4 occasions this season and had six or extra in 11 other video games, even supposing the ones excessive totals did not come in opposition to Florida.

Carter Verhaeghe additionally has a powerful monitor document in contrast opponent. He has scored 4 objectives in 11 regular-season video games over the last 3 seasons, plus any other 5 objectives of their five-game playoff sequence remaining spring. For the reason that historical past, his +900 odds to guide the sequence in objectives be offering a forged non-chalk choice price a glance.

If the Lightning win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? This nearly undoubtedly must be Kucherov (+3,000), as it could really feel merciless for Kucherov to not in the end get one to check his friends’ trophies. Andrei Vasilevskiy (+3000) and Victor Hedman (150-1) each have already got a Conn Smythe from 2021 and 2020, so that is Kucherov’s flip if the Bolts can upload any other identify to their dynasty.

If the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, who wins the Conn Smythe? If the Panthers are the workforce to make it six consecutive years with a Florida workforce within the Ultimate, they’re spoiled for possible choices in the case of MVP. In reality, 4 of the tip 20 avid gamers with the most efficient odds to win the Conn Smythe play for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky (+2500) used to be robbed of the trophy remaining season, so he has advanced probabilities this time round if it is shut. As for lengthy pictures, do not disregard that Gustav Forsling (400-1) used to be being mentioned as a marvel winner because the Panthers complex remaining season. — Allen

For contemporary odds and markets, cross to ESPN BET.