The Montreal Canadiens are now firmly in the Stanley Cup conversation after beating the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Montreal’s Stanley Cup odds shortened from +600 to +350 at BetMGM after the win, which is the key market move here. The Canadiens are still not the outright favorites, but that adjustment shows sportsbooks are taking their run much more seriously.
At +350, Montreal sits close to the top of the Stanley Cup futures board. The price is no longer a long-shot number, but it still leaves room for value if the Canadiens can build on their Game 1 performance.
Why the Canadiens’ +350 Odds Matter
The biggest reason for the odds move was how convincing the win looked. Carolina entered the series with an elite defensive profile and had not allowed more than two goals in any playoff game. Montreal scored four times in the first period alone and finished with six goals on the road.
That matters for futures bettors.
The Canadiens did not just steal a game. They created offense early, punished Carolina’s mistakes, and got strong 5-on-5 production from key players. Juraj Slafkovský had two goals and an assist, Nick Suzuki added three assists, while Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov also contributed at even strength.
Jakub Dobeš also helped protect the lead after allowing an early goal. He settled down quickly and gave Montreal enough stability in net to close out a statement win.
Is There Still Value on Montreal at +350?
The question now is whether +350 still holds value.
It is not as attractive as +600, but Montreal’s number could shorten again if the Canadiens win Game 2 and return home with a 2-0 series lead. That would likely move them much closer to the top of the Stanley Cup odds board.
For now, the Canadiens at +350 are no longer just a surprise story. After Game 1, they look like a legitimate Stanley Cup threat.
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Author:
Lucas Portela
Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP
Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.