Avalanche Ride Momentum Into Playoffs as Betting Favorite
Despite finishing the regular season tied for seventh in the NHL with 102 points, the Colorado Avalanche enter the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the consensus betting favorites. Ahead of their first-round matchup against the Dallas Stars, oddsmakers have installed Colorado at +750 (DraftKings) and +700 (BetMGM) to win the Cup.
That comes despite the fact that Dallas, their first-round opponent, ended the season with 106 points. The Stars’ late-season struggles and injury issues have impacted their odds. They limp into the playoffs on a seven-game winless streak (0-5-2) and will be without top scorer Jason Robertson and standout defenseman Miro Heiskanen in Game 1.
Colorado, meanwhile, has been trending upward since mid-February after a series of roster adjustments paid off. The Avalanche have drawn 10.6% of all Stanley Cup futures bets and 11.0% of the total handle at BetMGM, where they opened the season at +1000.
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Books Fear Underdog Surges More Than Avalanche
While Colorado is the most popular pick, BetMGM is more concerned about longshot contenders. The St. Louis Blues (+4000) and Montreal Canadiens (+8000) represent the sportsbook’s two biggest liabilities, followed by the Dallas Stars. These teams have attracted surprising attention from bettors hoping for high-upside returns.
The Avalanche, in contrast, are not among the top three liabilities. Still, with public backing building, BetMGM is keeping a close eye on Colorado’s potential run.
Panthers, Lightning Largely Ignored by Bettors
Florida-based teams are flying under the radar in betting markets. The defending champion Panthers are currently +750, yet they have received just 6.3% of the total money. The Tampa Bay Lightning, despite a strong finish and matching Colorado’s 102 points, have drawn only 2.8% of the handle while their odds shortened from +2000 to +1100.
Both Florida teams are among the sportsbook’s preferred outcomes.
“The Panthers and Lightning are among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup but the public is ignoring them,” said BetMGM senior trader Matthew Rasp. “BetMGM really wants the Stanley Cup to stay in Florida.”
Winnipeg Jets Undervalued Despite League-Best Record
The Winnipeg Jets posted the best regular-season record with 116 points and 56 wins. Yet their odds remain relatively long: +1000 at BetMGM and DraftKings. That’s the eighth-shortest price and tied for sixth-shortest at DraftKings — positioning them as a potential value play for sharp bettors.
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Takeaway for NHL Futures Bettors
With injuries shaking up the Stars’ outlook and the Avalanche surging into form, oddsmakers have aligned behind Colorado. But savvy bettors might find opportunities elsewhere — whether backing overlooked contenders like Winnipeg or betting on the value of playoff-proven teams like Tampa Bay.