The push to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Contenders has been heating up for the last few weeks, but things will get interesting this weekend. There are still several playoff spots up for grabs, and playoff positioning will still be shifting around as well.
It’s going to be fun to follow the NHL Playoffs race teams over the next few days, and many NHL matchups will directly impact the postseason. Some teams have already started to prepare for the 2024-25 season, but that’s not the case for the Stanley Cup Playoffs contenders.
Top Teams Revealed
The NHL playoff race is well underway, and a select few teams have distinguished themselves by securing strong positions in the NHL standings. When looking to bet on NHL Playoffs teams, you should always start with the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
The NHL Vegas odds currently have the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers as the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup at +700. Those two teams are going to be tough to deal with in the NHL Playoffs, but there are other great teams as well.
These two teams are going to be featured in NHL picks over the next few weeks, but there are other teams in a great position on the NHL standings. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, upsets always occur, and those potential underdog teams will soon emerge.
Tight Race in Eastern Conference
The NHL schedule is only going to get better over the next few days, especially when looking at the Eastern Conference. There will be some NHL games that are going to impact the playoff race, and it’s not yet clear who will make the postseason.
Six teams still have a chance to claim the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but it’s starting to look like four teams will be in the mix. The Washington Capitals are currently sitting in the best position, but they are going to need to win out to be considered real Stanley Cup Playoffs contenders.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings have had to deal with some players on the NHL injury report this season, and that has made things more difficult. Just one point separates those two teams from the Capitals in the standings, and they have the chance to catch up swiftly.
Both division races in this conference are still up for grabs as well, but three points separate the top two teams. While that’s not going to matter once the postseason begins, winning a division title is still a massive accomplishment.
Western Conference Nearly Settled
The Western Conference might have the best overall NHL teams, but there won’t be a ton of drama in that conference this week. Teams have secured most of the postseason spots, yet the Pacific Division remains a hotbed of excitement.
Connor McDavid has put together some amazing NHL player stats for the Edmonton Oilers this season, but it’s not likely enough to lead his team to a division title. Unless the Vancouver Canucks fall apart over the final week, that team is going to be a huge surprise in winning the Pacific.
Three Stanley Cup Playoffs contenders are battling it out for the final two spots in the Western Conference Playoffs, and that will create a ton of drama. The Los Angeles Kings appear to be in a good spot, but they have some pressure from the Vegas Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues.
While there aren’t as many NHL teams in the mix for the postseason in the Western Conference, this conference should produce some of the best playoff matchups.
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