Things have been moving fast for the National Hockey League, as the playoffs are going to get here before you know it. Thus far this season, several teams have emerged as the key contenders to win the Stanley Cup. At the same time, multiple franchises have set themselves apart out east. With that said, Carolina is a strong favorite to win the 2025 Eastern Conference. Will they get the job done?
As of this writing, the Hurricanes have been on a tear this season. Carolina is at the top of the Atlantic Division with 71 points. The Maple Leafs, as expected, are right behind them with 68 points. That's going to be a close battle for the division title the rest of the regular season. With that said, Carolina is playing with a ton of confidence right now, which has been great to see.
| Eastern Conference odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canes to win | +240 | +240 | +240 |
| Panthers to win | +450 | +450 | +450 |
| Devils to win | +550 | +550 | +550 |
| Maple Leafs to win | +650 | +650 | +650 |
"You can be energetic and just kind of be useless, but I want to be energetic and I want to have a purpose where I'm using that energy and using it for a good cause," Star player Seth Jarvis said about his mindset right now. "It's taken a little bit of time to channel it into doing something good with it, but it is my personality."
According to the best sports betting sites, the Hurricanes hold +240 hockey betting odds to win the Eastern Conference this season. Florida is behind them at +450, while the Devils and Maple Leafs are also in contention. It's going to be a close race, but something tells us Carolina will win the Eastern Conference and then move on to the Stanley Cup Finals. We're going with the Hurricanes as our pick.
Seth Jarvis since January 1, 2025:
- 20 points (13 G, 7 A)
- T-2nd most goals in the NHL
- Most goals by any player at home (11)
- Only player with two 4-point gamesThe kid can play.
โ Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 9, 2025
Edmonton is still on top for the best Western Conference odds
It should come as no surprise, but Edmonton is still on top for the best Western Conference odds. The Oilers are in first place in the Pacific Division, but the Golden Knights are pushing them and hoping to win the division. Edmonton and Las Vegas are easily two of the best teams in the conference and people are already thinking about the two sides meeting in the postseason.
As for Edmonton, what helps them out in a big way is that Connor McDavid, the team's captain, continues to look like one of the best players in the sport. Whenever he takes the ice, he's a threat to have a big game. With him playing so well, fans are looking forward to the postseason getting here, though we still have to wait a little bit.
โIf Canada wins, what are you putting in the cup? Poutine, Beer, @TimHortons?โ
Connor McDavid with the most Connor McDavid answer ever ๐
๐ช๐ถ๐ป ๐ป๐ผ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐๐ป ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ. pic.twitter.com/uvFQMNTvvx
โ The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) February 12, 2025
While the Stanley Cup Finals are still a long time away, keep in mind that the top sportsbooks, including Bovada, BetOnline and others, have special promotions and sign-up bonuses year-round for hockey fans. There will also be NHL Playoffs betting specials leading up to things for fans to take advantage of. This will be a good way to get into the betting action once the playoffs do get here.
In terms of placing a wager on the Western Conference winners, the Oilers hold +240 odds according to the top NHL betting sites. The Stars are behind them at +440, while the Golden Knights have been given +550 odds. It's looking like it will be a three-team battle for the conference glory, but we're going to have to go with the Oilers as our pick.
Edmonton and Carolina are tied for the best Stanley Cup title odds
As you might have been able to guess, Edmonton and Carolina are tied for the best Stanley Cup title odds at this point of the campaign. Edmonton entered the new season as the clear favorite, but the Canes have given the oddsmakers something to think about here.ย This is certainly exciting, as people have a ton of love and respect for both sides.
With Carolina,ย star players like Jarvis are hoping to make a big-time impact the rest of the way, while also making a splash in the postseason. The great thing about Carolina is that the team features a ton of quality depth on both ends, which is crucial. The same thing can be said about Edmonton.
Yes, McDavid is a superstar in this league, but his teammates do a fantastic job of helping lift him up as well. Can you imagine if Edmonton and Carolina go on to play for the cup? It would be a tremendous series and one that could certainly go the distance. We'll have to see how things shape out, but for now, we'll rock with Carolina as our pick to win the Stanley Cup Finals. A lot can change here, though.
