The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs head to the Conference Semi-Finals as we are down to eight teams. We preview the teams with the odds worth betting to win the Stanley Cup along with our Conn Smythe Trophy picks.
We are through to the Conference Semi-Finals of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Down to eight teams, the race is even tighter now though the best NHL betting sites are clearly favoring one: the Colorado Avalanche. As the only unbeaten team in the playoffs, Colorado stands a level above everyone. Will this finally be their year? It may be a hard one to call as each of the remaining contenders have legitimate resumes as we break down the NHL Stanley Cup betting odds.
NHL 2022 Conference Semi-Finals Outright Picks
The Colorado Avalanche has the shortest line to win the Stanley Cup per the NHL betting lines. But which of the other teams are worth wagering on? Using Betonline, you can find plenty of outright NHL odds to bet on, including the Conn Smythe Trophy (more on this later). Read the BetOnline sportsbook review for more information on the book.
| 2022 Stanley Cup - Odds To Win |  |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +190 |
| Florida Panthers | +350 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +650 |
| Calgary Flames | +700 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +750 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +1200 |
| New York Rangers | +1200 |
| St. Louis Blues | +1600 |
Which Favorite is the Best Bet?
Simply put: we do not like the Colorado Avalanche at their current asking price. While this team has looked untouchable, we have seen it shut down in the past. This is the playoffs where hot goaltending, ticky-tacky penalties, and some "unlucky bounces" can sink a once-indomitable contender. Injuries can also play a factor, as Colorado has constantly dealt with them.
Instead, we like the odds on either the Carolina Hurricanes at +650 or the Calgary Flames at +750. The Hurricanes can be just as dominant as the Avalanche when they are "on". They faced some adversity against the Boston Bruins but Game 7 was never in doubt.
The Flames have also been incredibly potent on both ends of the ice. They ran into some hot goaltending from the Dallas Stars but a little adversity should only help them get better. Between them and the Hurricanes, we lean on Carolina as their path to the Stanley Cup Final is a bit easier, especially if the Florida Panthers manage to eliminate the winded Tampa Bay Lightning.
Which Underdog Has The Best Betting Value?
This may seem contrary to one of our picks above, but the other Albertan team, the Edmonton Oilers (+1200) is a solid choice. Whoever wins between them and the Flames could go all the way. The Oilers already boast the best player in the NHL right now: Connor McDavid.
The 25-year-old dominated against the Los Angeles Kings, registering 14 points and a +10 rating, both of which lead the league. More importantly, Jay Woodcroft has managed to squeeze more effort out of the rest of the team. Goaltender Mike Smith has also been solid and has made the saves he's needed to.
From the East, there is some value in the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning (+750). The core of the Lightning could be fatigued, but its new additions have been paying dividends. And all the team needs from its star players is to deliver when it matters. But between Tampa and Edmonton, take the Oilers at a better payout.
2022 Conn Smythe Trophy Picks: Which Stars are Worth Betting?
If the Florida Panthers are going to win the Cup, it will have to get past its archnemesis: the Tampa Bay Lightning. And to do that, Carter Verhaeghe has to find ways to score around Andrei Vasilevskiy. Last season, Verhaeghe managed just two goals against Tampa and was a -3. But the 26-year-old is having a breakout season.
WHO ELSE BUT CARTER VERHAEGHE
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— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 14, 2022
Verhaeghe leads the NHL with three game-winning goals and, like McDavid, is also averaging two points a game. Now, it's unlikely he keeps this up. But if the Panthers do go all the way, their leading point-scorer is more than likely going to win the Conn Smythe. At 25-1, that's a solid deal if you like Florida.
Where you expecting Connor McDavid to make this list? By all means, bet him at +1400. He is more than likely going to see his odds shorten significantly if the Oilers get past the Flames. But for our money, we like his goalie: Mike Smith at 45-1. This is a whopping deal for the second-most important player on the team. Sorry, Leon Draisaitl.
But the Oilers' odds live and die with Smith. If Smith is anything less than elite, Edmonton won't make it that far. But if he at least maintains an average close to his career numbers of a 93.2 save percentage, it will be a narrow race between him and McDavid. He can be the Grant Fuhr to McDavid's Wayne Gretzky.
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