2025 Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: Best bets and Conn Smythe predictions
Briefly

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs commence with 16 competing teams, including the reigning champions, Florida Panthers, who face strong contenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. Connor Hellebuyck leads the Winnipeg Jets, hoping for a historic run in the West, facing tough rivals like the Vegas Golden Knights. In the East, the Washington Capitals, led by record-setting scorer Alex Ovechkin, topped the standings. Betting insights from Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash highlight key series strategies and identify potential Conn Smythe Trophy candidates for teams with championship aspirations.
Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky aims to defend the Stanley Cup amidst fierce competition from top Eastern Conference teams including the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes.
The Winnipeg Jets, led by Connor Hellebuyck, face a tough challenge in the Western Conference, seeking their first Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Alex Ovechkin, the all-time leading scorer, leads the Washington Capitals who secured the top spot in the East as the playoffs begin.
Experts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash offer betting insights on first-round series and Conn Smythe Trophy favorites for teams advancing to the Stanley Cup.
Read at ESPN.com
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