Stanley Cup Power Rankings After Round 1 of NHL Playoffs

Were on to the second round of the NHL Playoffs, which means we're down to the final eight teams in the hunt for the Stanley Cup.

Before the second round starts on Tuesday night, let's take a few minutes to power ranking the remaining teams. These power rankings are based on a mix of both the betting odds and my evaluation of the teams.

If you want to bet on a team to win the Cup, now is the time to do it. Let's dive into my rankings.

NHL Power Rankings based on odds

The odds below are via BetMGM Sportsbook.

1. Edmonton Oilers +375

The Edmonton Oilers are right behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the best odds to win the Stanley Cup. They have the best player in the NHL in Connor McDavid and their defense is as strong as it's been in the McDavid era. The Oilers also have an easier path to the final than any team in the East.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs +350

Apr 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) against the / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Maple Leafs are the betting favorites to win it all, but they have a tough path to the final. The Florida Panthers are a feisty No. 8 seed and if they get past them, the winner of Hurricanes vs. Devils will be awaiting them in the Eastern Conference final. Is it finally time for them to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967?

3. Dallas Stars +600

The Dallas Stars have been in contention the past few years, but they lacked the offense to get the job done. They've fixed that issue this year and are riding great special teams and one of the best young goaltenders in the NHL to a deep playoff run.

4. New Jersey Devils +600

The New Jersey Devils won the Battle of the Hudson and in the process they found their goalie that can lead them to the Stanley Cup Final in Akira Schmid. The one thing that could hurt them is a lack of playoff experience, but they have the skill to overcome it.

5. Carolina Hurricanes +600

Apr 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) celebrates / James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Hurricanes were the best team in the NHL when it comes to advanced analytics and metrics, but an injury to Andrei Svechkinov in March and Teuvo Teräväinen in Round One leaves them short handed in Round 2.

6. Florida Panthers +1000

The Florida Panthers are much better than your average No. 8 seed, just a year away from having the best record in the regular season. Their offensive style of play can overpower any team in the NHL. With that being said, they have a tough path to the final.

7. Vegas Golden Knights +600

Apr 27, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrates / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

I think the Vegas Golden Knights are the most overrated team in the NHL, despite finishing with the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. It also doesn't help them that they are facing the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.

8. Seattle Kraken +1600

The Seattle Kraken defeating the defending champs in the opening round was a feel good story, but I think the Cinderella run ends here. Their powerplay, penalty kill, and goaltending are all in the bottom half of the NHL and that's going to cost them against a well-rounded Stars team.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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