The quest to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada begins on April 18, 2026, with the championship series scheduled to conclude by June 21. This year’s post-season presents a mixed bag for Canadian hockey fans. While the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Edmonton Oilers have successfully punched their tickets to the playoffs , the nation will feel the notable absence of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets, both of whom failed to qualify.
Across the wider league landscape, the Colorado Avalanche are the definitive top seed, claiming the Presidents’ Trophy with a 121-point regular season. The bracket is also defined by historic returns, as the Buffalo Sabres snap a 14-year drought, joined by the Anaheim Ducks (eight years) and Philadelphia Flyers (six years). Meanwhile, the defending champion Florida Panthers missed the cut entirely.
First Round: The Canadian Matchups & League Series
The first round brings immediate tests for the Canadian contingents. Based on Bet365’s “To Qualify” markets, here is how the matchups shape up:
The Canadian Clashes
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks: Out West, the Oilers are strongly favoured at 1.41 to eliminate the returning Ducks, who sit as 2.95 underdogs.
- Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes: The Senators face a steep climb with 2.45 odds against the Metropolitan Division champion Hurricanes, who are favoured at 1.58.
- Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Montreal enters their series as the clear underdog at 3.00, looking to upset a seasoned Tampa Bay squad favoured at 1.40.
Other Crucial Series
- Eastern Conference: The Buffalo Sabres (1.55) look to capitalize on their return against the Boston Bruins (2.50). In a fierce rivalry, the Pittsburgh Penguins (1.64) hold the edge over the Philadelphia Flyers (2.30).
- Western Conference: The top-seeded Colorado Avalanche (1.20) are heavy favourites against the Los Angeles Kings (4.75). The Vegas Golden Knights (1.54) take on the second-year expansion Utah Mammoth (2.55) , while the Dallas Stars (1.83) face a tight matchup against the Minnesota Wild (2.00).
Bet365 Outright Winner Tiers
Instead of a standard table, here is how the outright Stanley Cup betting market breaks down the 16-team field by tiers:
The Top Favourites
- Colorado Avalanche: 4.00
- Tampa Bay Lightning: 5.25
- Carolina Hurricanes: 5.75
The Chasing Pack (Including Canadian Hopefuls)
- Vegas Golden Knights: 11.00
- Dallas Stars: 12.00
- Edmonton Oilers: 13.00
- Ottawa Senators: 15.00
- Buffalo Sabres: 17.00
- Minnesota Wild: 17.00
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The Outsiders
- Pittsburgh Penguins: 26.00
- Montreal Canadiens: 26.00
- Utah Mammoth: 36.00
- Los Angeles Kings / Anaheim Ducks / Boston Bruins / Philadelphia Flyers: 61.00
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