As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches the halfway point, gamblers continue to count on a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Last year, the Florida Panthers blew a 3-0 series lead only to win Game 7 and the Stanley Cup. Although the Panthers and Oilers are the top two betting favorites, there are plenty of viable alternatives that could offer more value.
So far, the most surprising NHL future odds team of the season thus far is the Washington Capitals. Last year, the Caps looked decrepit, but this year, Alex Ovechkin and Company are looking resurgent.
So, too, are the Winnipeg Jets surprising gamblers. Of course, Winnipeg has had strong regular season performances that ended in playoff disappointment. Certainly, the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be an exhilarating online betting combination of unpredictable results and potentially strong value.
Washington Capitals
The sky is the limit right now on just how good these Washington Capitals can be. First is Alex Ovechkin’s ridiculous goal-scoring pace at age 39. Also, goaltender Logan Thompson is going from good to elite in half a season.
Winnipeg Jets
The Central Division is tightening, but the Winnipeg Jets maintain their NHL betting odds grasp on the top spot. Namely, Connor Hellebuyck is still the best goaltender in the NHL.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The rise of the Toronto Maple Leafs mustn’t be ignored. Captain Auston Matthews returned to the lineup and has scored seven goals in his last seven games, looking settled, healthier, and back to his MVP form. Late on, the Leafs are on a red-hot stretch and it’s building towards Stanley Cup hopes once again.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a darn good team as their second-half schedule continues. Leon Draisaitl is having a career-best season. Yet it’s overshadowed another stellar season from captain Connor McDavid.
Dallas Stars
When the Dallas Stars play their game, it’s hard to see many teams beating them four times in a playoff series. When they are off their game, it’s a whole different story.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are slumping at the worst time. At 4-5-1 in their last 10, the powerful Golden Knights team is scoring. But their defense and goaltending are spiraling. Their head coach recently called out their tandem in net and their need to be better. Still, the big issue for Vegas is rearing its ugly head and hurting their chances to claim another Pacific Division title.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche has the NHL’s leading point scorer, one of the top goal scorers, the top defensive scorer, and a starting goalie playing at an elite level. Overall, it’s a good recipe for the pride of the Rocky Mountains. But the question remains over when this team will peak. They’ve been red hot at times, ice-cold at others, and are currently 5-4-1 in their last 10. If the Avs hit their stride, look out, but that’s still a big if at this point.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are falling behind in the Atlantic Division race. Still, they are one of the top-10 teams in the NHL, both in points and in the eye test. Sergei Bobrovsky has been up and down over the last month and a half. But backup Spencer Knight has been finding his stride in that time. Winger Sam Reinhart is scoring at an insane pace for the second straight season, leading the team with 27 tallies through 47 games. The Panthers continue to be impressive and dangerous in their Stanley Cup defense.