Betting on the Stanley Cup

For hockey fans, there is nothing better than the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Every Spring, the best teams in the NHL battle it out in a grueling bracket-style tournament.

We will go over all there is to know about the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the betting strategies and history of the tournament.

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How to Bet on the Stanley Cup

Since sports betting is now legal in multiple states across the US, there are safe and reliable betting sites. You can sign up through our site and claim our exclusive welcome bonuses.

You can use the site or download the betting app on your iPhone or Android. Betting on hockey has never been so easy! You will find tons of hockey betting promotions, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2021

Here are some of the most popular ways to bet on hockey.

Puck Line – What is most commonly referred to as the “spread” is known as the puck line in hockey. It is similar to baseball, as the puck line for the favorite will be -1.5, and +1.5 for the underdog.

60 Minute Line – Betting on the outcome after 3 periods of play. So, betting on a tie is possible since it does not include overtime or a shootout.

Over/Under – Placing a wager on the total number of goals scored in a game, which is usually set around 5 or 6.

Moneyline – Simply betting on a team that you believe will win. Favorites can be as much as -250, which means you will have to bet $250 to win $100. On the other hand, a $100 bet on the underdog (+250) will generate $250.

Futures – At any point of the season, you can bet on who you think will win each division, the Stanley Cup, or specific NHL awards.

Grand Salami – This is an over/under bet on every game in a single day. So, if there are 5 games in a night, the line may bet set around 28.

Props – Fun bets that can be very creative. You can bet on which player will score, assist, or goalie performance.

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Live Betting on the Stanley Cup

As sportsbook technology improves, you can now live bet on sports. The majority of legal US sportsbooks will have live betting on hockey, especially for the Stanley Cup.

If you pay attention to a single game, live betting can be very advantageous. As the action unfolds, the odds will continue to change. Look for shifts in momentum, injuries, or when you believe the odds aren’t where they should be.

Some sportsbooks will include a live stream so you can follow along with the game on the site or betting app. Stay on the lookout for hockey live betting promos during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Format of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup is four rounds, each being a best-of-seven series. The top three seeds of each division make the postseason, plus two additional wildcards. That makes it eight teams from the East, and eight teams from the west (during a normal season).

Each round is a 2-2-1-1-1 format. This means the better seed gets four games at home, versus only three for the lower seed.

First Round -> Second Round -> Stanley Cup Semifinals -> Stanley Cup Finals.

Changes in 2021

Because of the travel restrictions because of COVID-19, the format for the 2021 Stanley Cup has changed just slightly.

The top four teams from each division qualify for the playoffs, and there are no wildcard teams. The first two rounds are played within the same division, meaning 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3. Teams will be reseeded based on their point totals from the regular season.

The new format has changed the normal Eastern Conference Champion vs. Western Conference Champion.

Here are the teams that are playing in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

East: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders

North: Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens

West: Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues

Central: Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators

Tampa Bay Lightning – 2020 Champions

Stanley Cup Betting Tips

If you are looking to bet on the Stanley Cup, there are a few strategies and tips to consider.

1. Know Who’s Hot

Look at the previous games that the teams have played. Even more so than other sports, hockey players rely on momentum. If a team is hot, everything seems to go their way.

Unlike some years in the NBA, many teams can potentially win the Stanley Cup. It’s not just a race between the top two or three teams. Bet on the team that has been playing well and has all of the confidence.

2. Goalie Matchups

Goalies are a crucial part of the game. Some teams may rotate between two goalies, and just like the team as a whole, confidence is key.

If a goalie has been playing well, look for them to keep it up. However, pay attention if the main goaltender is getting a break for the normal backup.

3. Follow Injury Reports

Hockey is a very physical game. But the players are known for their toughness. However, if someone is playing through an injury, it can really impact the outcome.

Follow the news for the teams and read up on the injury report from the previous games. Pay attention to the guys that are returning from an injury that had them sit out for a period of time.

4. Shop for the Best Lines

When betting on the NHL, many people use the moneyline. Since that is the case, it’s crucial to shop around for the best odds at different sportsbooks. In states where betting is legal, there will be multiple betting sites that you can sign up for.

If you always find the best price, it will pay off in the end. Finding a moneyline at -150 instead of -160 might not seem like a lot, but if you continue to do so, your winnings will add up.

5. Manage Your Funds

Legal sportsbooks will provide responsible gaming tools that will assist you in managing your budget. Especially when you are betting multiple games or live betting, pay attention to your bet slip and the amount you are wagering.

Set limits or alerts on your account so you know how much you are wagering.


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History of the Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup was initially given to Canada’s top amateur hockey club, which started in 1892. The NHL was created and succeeded the NHA in 1917, which then took control of the Stanley Cup in 1926.

The original six teams in the NHL were the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadians, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The league began to expand in 1967, with the latest expansion team being the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017.

The Montreal Canadians lead the league in 34 Stanley Cup Finals appearances and 24 wins.

Stanley Cup Trophy

The Stanley Cup, originating in 1893, is the oldest trophy in Northern American sports. Weighing 37 pounds and roughly 3 feet tall, it was named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was the former Governor General of Canada.

The NHL engraves the name of each player on the winning team. Every player gets the chance to keep the Stanley Cup for one day, which is accompanied by the “Keeper” who constantly monitors the whereabouts of the Cup. Heck, babies have even been baptized in the Cup!

Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP

Another popular betting prop is the winner of the Conn Smythe trophy, which is the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unlike other sports, the award is based on the entire playoffs, not just the final series.

Because of that, the odds and projections are much more clear going into the Stanley Cup Finals than other sports. However, a lot can happen over the seven-game series that can alter the result of the MVP.

Betting on the PGA Tour FAQs

Is betting on hockey legal in the US?

You can legally bet on the Stanley Cup in multiple US states. In legal states, the sportsbooks are safe and reliable to use.

What is a puck-line?

The puck line is often referred to as the spread. If you are betting on the favorite, you may want to bet on the -1.5 puck line to receive better odds than the moneyline.

How many teams are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Sixteen teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each series is the best-of-seven, with the first to win four advancing to the next round.

What are the best hockey betting tips?

 When betting on hockey, know which teams and goalies are performing well, follow along with injuries, shop for the best lines, and manage your bankroll.