Stanley Cup Betting Odds

How the Stanley Cup Works

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy that is awarded annually to the NHL playoff winner. Dating back to 1893, the Stanley Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in the world of professional sports. 

The championship takes place over a series of 7 games between the top remaining playoff teams. The games take place in the arena of the two competing teams. Each series alternates the location according to the home-ice advantage format. 

The Stanley Cup finals follow the same rules as all the other games throughout the season. However, there are two special rules that apply.

Special Rules

Overtime: During the regular season, games tied once regulation ends move into a 5-minute sudden death overtime match. This is a 3-on-3 scenario, and a shootout follows if the score is still tired after the 5 minutes are up.

Overtime in the Stanley Cup continues with a 20-minute 5-on-5 sudden death period that ends when a team scores. There are no shootouts during the Stanley Cup or NHL playoffs. 

Home-Ice Advantage: The team that scored more regular season points receives home-ice advantage. The team with home-ice advantage hosts games 1, 2, 5, and 7, which gives them an early advantage in the series. The entire series format is: 2-2-1-1-1.

Types of Stanley Cup Betting

The Stanley Cup features all the same types of bets as other hockey games throughout the regular season. However, the number of bets available and the odds for these bets will always be at its peak during the Stanley Cup.

Below is a brief description of the different betting options available to you during the Stanley Cup:

Best Statistics for Betting on the Stanley Cup

Advanced statistics are the most powerful tool that a bettor can use. Analyzing these stats helps you make the most informed betting decisions possible and gives you a statistical edge over sportsbooks and most other bettors.

Use the advanced statistics below to give yourself an advantage during the next Stanley Cup series:

• Goals for percentage (GF%) & against percentage (GA%)
• Corsi & Fenwick Close
• PDO
• Save percentage (SV%) at even strength (5v5)

Goals For Percentage (GF%) & Against Percentage (GA%)

GF% measures the percentage of total goals scored by a team during their games. GA% measures the percentage of total goals allowed by a team during their games.

Bettors can use GF% to identify teams that are more likely to outscore their opponents, which is crucial in predicting game outcomes. A high GF% indicates a team with strong offensive capabilities and/or solid defense. Conversely, a lower GA% suggests a team with a strong defense and/or weaker opponents. When comparing teams, looking at their GF% and GA% can give insights into their performance dynamics.

Corsi & Fenwick Close

In order to understand Corsi & Fenwick Close, you need to understand them individually.

• Corsi – Measure of total shot attempts, including missed shots, shots on goal, and blocked shots. This is used to gauge puck possession and offensive pressure.

• Fenwick – This is the same measurement as Corsi, except it excludes all blocked shots. 

Corsi & Fenwick Close refers to the same metrics above whenever the game is within one goal in the first two periods or tied in the third. This helps to isolate a team’s performance during competitive scenarios. 

Bettors can use Corsi and Fenwick stats to assess which teams are more dominant in terms of puck possession and creating scoring opportunities. Teams with high Corsi and Fenwick values are often better at controlling play and generating chances, which can translate to more wins. 

PDO (Shooting % + Save %)

PDO is the sum of a team’s shooting percentage and save percentage. It is typically centered around 100, with values above 100 suggesting a degree of luck or exceptional performance, while values below 100 indicate underperformance or bad luck.

Bettors can use PDO to identify teams that may be over performing or underperforming. A team with a very high PDO might be winning due to unsustainable shooting or save percentages, suggesting potential regression. Conversely, a team with a low PDO might improve if their luck turns around. Bettors can exploit these trends to find value bets on teams likely to regress to the mean.

Save Percentage (SV%) at Even Strength (5v5)

This stat measures the percentage of shots a goalie stops at even strength. It excludes power plays, and penalty kills to provide a clearer picture of a goalie’s performance during regular play.

Bettors can use SV% at even strength to evaluate goaltender performance more accurately. A high SV% at even strength suggests a reliable goalie who can make crucial saves during the most common game situations. 

Bettors can look for matchups where a strong goalie might have an edge over a weaker one, influencing the likely outcome of the game. This stat is particularly useful when betting on totals (over/under) and predicting which team might have a defensive advantage.

Bet on the Next Stanley Cup With Confidence

The Stanley Cup is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. While the two top teams in the league compete for the title of champion, bettors everywhere are cashing in on their successful bets placed throughout the series.

Maximize your winning percentage during the Stanley Cup this season by using our professional handicapping service. We will research and analyze every statistic and scenario needed to provide you with unique betting recommendations that give you the best chance at success. Sign up today and receive instant access to professional betting picks backed by research and data.