The start of the NHL season has officially arrived and this is something that's hard to fathom. While there has been plenty of attention surrounding the NFL, NCAA and MLB campaigns being in full swing, hockey fans could not be happier about the new campaign starting. With that said, the Edmonton Oilers are the favorites to win the 2024-25 Stanley Cup. Will the Western Conference powerhouse be able to get the job done?
Last season, the Florida Panthers were able to make history by winning the title for the first time in team history. It left a sour taste in the mouths of countless players, including people who play for Edmonton. Now, though, the Oilers are focused on getting on track, while also making sure they don't take their foot off the gas once they find a rhythm. Everyone is holding themselves accountable.
| Stanley Cup odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers to win | +750 | +750 | +750 |
| Panthers to win | +900 | +900 | +900 |
| Stars to win | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Rangers to win | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
"When you had a season like we had last year & coming back & the expectations being really high, I don't think there's enough desperation."
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch talked to the media about the #Oilers start to the season.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/zjQy5jMNKt
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 14, 2024
"We're getting beat in a lot of battles, we're getting beat in a lot of different ways," McDavid said in a recent interview. "The puck play has been bad all over. Guys have been fumbling it, guys not handling it. Passes in the air, passes behind guys, it's just not good enough in terms of the puck play."
According to the best sports betting sites, the Oilers hold +750 NHL betting odds to take home the Stanley Cup glory. It's not going to be easy for them, as there are several other teams who will be contenders, of course including the Stars, Devils, Avalanche, Panthers, Rangers and others. It will be interesting to see how things shape out here, but we're surely going with the Oilers as our pick.
When was the last time the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup?
With so much noise surrounding the team, plenty of fans out there are surely wondering when was the last time the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup? Back in the 80s, the Oilers were dominant and they were always a threat to bring home the cup. However, it has been more than 30 years since they won the title, as 1990 was the last time the team was able to get it done. It was their fifth Stanley Cup win back in '90 too.
Those were the days of Wayne Gretzky and other team legends. Since then, things haven't quite gone according to plan and as of this writing, the team is yet to win a game this campaign. However, there is simply too much talent for this team on the ice for them to not snap out of this funk. Plenty of experts and analysts have a feeling Edmonton will be able to break their dry spell. Should that happen, McDavid and others will have to play to the best of their abilities.
"Ultimately it hasn't been good enough, I've said that numerous times. Up & down the lineup, myself first & foremost, everyone can be better & everyone will be better."
Connor McDavid talked with the media following the #Oilers loss to Calgary.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/X8XR5bvjak
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 14, 2024
"Obviously, we have to play with more desperation," coach Kris Knoblauch said. "When you had a season like we did last year, coming back, and the expectations being really high, I don't think there's enough desperation — this game is about playing with desperation, but, right now, we're lacking that."
As you can tell, there's a strong belief in Edmonton pulling off some magic this year and turning the season to where it needs to go. It's not going to be easy and the fact that they haven't gotten this done since 1990 sure is concerning. However, when you have a captain with the caliber of play so high like McDavid, you never know what's going to happen. Again, there's a tough road ahead, but with their high odds per the top NHL betting sites, we believe in this group.
The Panthers feel like Edmonton's biggest threat to win the Stanley Cup
As you might have been able to guess, the Panthers feel like Edmonton's biggest threat to win the Stanley Cup. Florida was able to pull off a stunner last year. McDavid is clearly still upset over how the season ended last spring, which is why he's motivated to make sure Florida isn't the organization to once again lift the title.
However, the hockey betting sites have things pretty darn close between the two teams, as Edmonton holds its high odds, and Florida is right behind them at +900. Looking to get in on the action with things still early? Fans would be wise to check the BetOnline promo codes and promotions, which are live for the NHL campaign. Will Edmonton be the ones to win it all, or will Florida repeat? We can't wait to find out.
