Colorado Avalanche Enter Playoffs as Favorites Amid Interest in Underdogs
The Colorado Avalanche are favored to win the Stanley Cup according to betting odds, with other teams like the Carolina Hurricanes also among the top contenders. Betting experts note that public interest has focused on longshot teams such as the Buffalo Sabres. Sportsbooks report varying liabilities based on betting patterns on these underdogs.
Photo: Klim Musalimov / UnsplashPlayoff
Favorites and Odds The Colorado Avalanche are listed as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup at +300 odds, according to DraftKings.
They aim to become the first team since 2013 to win both the President's Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season. The Carolina Hurricanes follow at +475 odds. A lead hockey trader at Caesars Sportsbook stated that analytics drive these numbers, identifying the Avalanche, Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning as the highest-rated by underlying metrics.
The trader noted that these ratings hold despite discrepancies with final standings or past playoff narratives.
Underdog
Appeal and Betting Trends Public bettors have shown interest in longshot teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, who ended a record 14-year playoff drought by winning the Atlantic Division.
A director at DraftKings Sportsbook explained that sportsbooks were slow to adjust odds for teams with strong starts, leading to potential liabilities. At BetMGM, Buffalo has the most tickets (15.8%) to win the Eastern Conference. Other teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins at 25-1 odds and the Philadelphia Flyers at 70-1 odds have also drawn betting attention.
Additional
Contenders and Bookmaker Insights The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars are tied at 10-1 odds.
The trader expressed reservations about the Golden Knights' power ratings but acknowledged their momentum, including a 7-0-1 finish under new head coach John Tortorella and an easier playoff path in the Pacific Division. The trader added that the playoff format aids in projecting odds by allowing clearer path sketches for teams.
Sportsbooks report minimal concern over favorites, as bettors prefer underdogs at longer odds.
The Ottawa Senators (13-1), Minnesota Wild (18-1) and Boston Bruins (55-1) have also received some attention, according to bookmakers.
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-04-17
ESPN reported current Stanley Cup betting odds with Colorado Avalanche as favorites.
1 sourceESPN - End of regular season
Buffalo Sabres won the Atlantic Division, ending a 14-year playoff drought.
1 sourceESPN - Start of season
Buffalo Sabres entered the season with around 150-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup.
1 sourceESPN - 2013
Last team won both President's Trophy and Stanley Cup in the same season.
1 sourceESPN
Potential Impact
- 01
Sportsbooks may adjust odds if underdog betting increases, affecting payout structures.
- 02
Increased public interest in longshots could boost overall betting volume for playoffs.
- 03
Favorites like Avalanche may see shifted liabilities if underdogs advance unexpectedly.
- 04
Teams with momentum, such as Golden Knights, might attract more late bets.
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