2024 Stanley Cup Final: Best bets for Oilers-Panthers
Oddsmaker insights on Game 1 and the series price, plus where the public is betting
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final is set to get underway on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET, ABC) in a matchup between two of the most talented teams in hockey, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The Panthers (-135) are the slight favorites in the series over the Oilers (+115) in one of the more evenly-lined Finals we’ve seen in recent years.
For the Oilers, everything starts with stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but it’s especially McDavid in the spotlight. If hockey’s best player can shine in the biggest spotlight in his career, it could take his stardom in the national consciousness to new heights.
There’s also one interesting parlay to follow, as a bettor at BetMGM placed a $1,000 three-team parlay on:
Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl (+650)
Real Madrid to win UEFA Champions League (+550)
Edmonton Oilers to win Stanley Cup (+1100)
He’s now four Oilers wins away from winning a cool $584,000.
I spoke to multiple oddsmakers about the Stanley Cup Final betting action and aggregated best bets and public betting info to help you with your wagers.
Good luck with your bets!
Game 1: Edmonton Oilers (+120) at Florida Panthers (-142)
DraftKings: 61% of bets, 62% of $$ on Panthers ML
FanDuel: 50% of bets, 70% of $$ on Panthers ML
BetMGM: 58% of bets, 72% of $$ on Panthers ML
Most bet Game 1 props at BetMGM (by total tickets)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to score a goal (+300)
Connor McDavid to score the first goal (+1200)
Sam Bennett over 0.5 points (+120)
Connor McDavid over 3.5 shots (+120)
Stuart Skinner over 27.5 saves (-115)
Oddsmaker insights
Game 1:
“Both teams make up an even 50% of bet count thus far with Florida taking 70% of handle. To no one’s surprise, McDavid is once again the most popular player with 40% of all anytime goal-scorer wagers and 55% of handle.” — FanDuel trader
“We’re taking close to 50-50 action on Game 1 right now, slightly more money on the Panthers.” — Christian Cippolini, BetMGM trader
“Opener of Edmonton +110 now +115, yet the action total of all tickets (parlays included) is approximately 55-45 to Oilers. Looking at the action, there’s very distinct favoritism from Canadian bettors in large majority backing Edmonton, as well as action from the USA has the majority of those bettors backing Florida. That doesn’t mean there aren’t bettors from both countries backing the other team, however there’s a definite Canada vs. USA teams’ vibe in the action.