Latest news with #ConnSmythe
New York Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
2024-25 Conn Smythe odds, prediction: Connor McDavid installed as favorite ahead of Stanley Cup Final
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is set to get underway Wednesday and bookmakers are having a really tough time separating the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The Oilers have home-ice advantage are slight -130 favorites to win the best-of-seven series at bet365, but if it were the Panthers hosting four potential games then the odds would likely be flipped. Flip a coin. With the odds to win the Stanley Cup so tight, it would make sense that the market for the Conn Smythe Trophy to be the same. Connor McDavid is an even-money favorite to win the Conn Smythe, which would make the Oilers captain the fourth player to win the trophy in consecutive years but the first to do it despite being on the losing team in at least one of those years. Leon Draisaitl has seven goals so far in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHLI via Getty Images McDavid currently leads the playoffs in points, assists and shots on goal. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (+250) has the shortest odds of any player on the Panthers. Bobrovsky was the only other player in last year's Final to receive a first-place vote besides McDavid. Betting on the NHL? Aleksander Barkov is the third choice on the board ahead of Game 1 at +550 odds. Barkov leads the Panthers in scoring with 17 points, but will also play a pivotal role in attempting to shut down McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in this series. Barkov's two-way game is so well respected that he doesn't need to put up eye-popping point totals to get serious consideration for this award. Leon Draisaitl is the only other player with single-digit odds at +750. The German star is one point behind McDavid in the scoring race and is tied with Corey Perry for the team lead in goals with seven. Conn Smythe betting odds Player Odds Connor McDavid +100 Sergei Bobrovsky +250 Aleksander Barkov +550 Leon Draisaitl +750 Matthew Tkachuk 25/1 Sam Bennett 28/1 Stuart Skinner 33/1 Carter Verhaeghe 60/1 Brad Marchand 75/1 Odds via bet365 Conn Smythe best bet Leon Draisaitl (+750) The oddsmakers seem to be making a stand. They are saying that if the Oilers win this series, McDavid will be given the Conn Smythe Trophy. While there is certainly a strong chance that it happens, McDavid is just one point ahead of Draisaitl in the scoring race, and it's the German who has more goals in his account in the playoffs. If Draisaitl continues at his current pace and scores a couple of big goals in this series en route to an Edmonton victory, he will be neck and neck with McDavid. Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Connor McDavid top candidate for NHL playoff MVP ahead of 2025 Stanley Cup Final
Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and very well could be on his way to a repeat performance this spring. As big a deal as that would be, McDavid hopes not everything repeats as it did a year ago, when his Edmonton Oilers lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers before he was handed the Conn Smythe Trophy. Advertisement McDavid is one of six players in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite his team losing in the Cup Final. The superstar center can rewrite that script this year since the Oilers and Panthers meet in a rematch, beginning with Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. But where does McDavid stand after three rounds of these playoffs in trying to win consecutive postseason MVP honors? Members of the Sportsnaut hockey staff weigh in with their Conn Smythe pick, so far, ahead of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Related: Updated NHL Power Rankings ahead of 2025 Stanley Cup Final Top candidates for Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP ahead of Stanley Cup Final Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Jim Cerny – Executive Editor It's impossible to overlook McDavid's brilliance offensively, nor his improved two-way game, this spring and it's completely understandable that he's the clear favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy again. But his captain counterpart in Florida continues to fly under the radar despite impactful play at both ends of the rink. Aleksander Barkov was named the Selke Trophy winner as top defensive forward in the NHL for the third time Monday, and his shutdown play is a massive reason why the Panthers are allowing a League-low 2.29 goals per game in the postseason. His relentless 200-foot game sets the tone for the Panthers, and very quietly he also leads them with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 games. The power and skill Barkov displayed when setting up Carter Verhaeghe for the series-clinching goal in the Eastern Conference Final left many speechless. Flip a coin here because each captain is deserving. Maybe I'm a contrarian, but Barkov gets my vote after three rounds. John Kreiser – Senior Writer The 2024 Conn Smythe winner isn't piling up the same kind of offensive numbers he did last spring, when he had 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 playoff games. But McDavid's still the biggest reason the Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final. At 28, McDavid remains the fastest player in the NHL, and he makes everyone he plays with a threat to score. His two-way play has improved to the point that he's seen time on the penalty kill, and he leads all skaters with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) through three rounds. After winning the Conn Smythe last year despite the Oilers' seven-game loss to Florida in the Final, he has the look of a player who wants to win it again – this time as a Cup champion. Dane Walsh – Staff Writer This comes as a surprise to no one, but McDavid will once again win the Conn Smythe, and deservedly so. His 26 points through three rounds leads all skaters, and he is once again proving that he can carry a team with flaws to the very end. It was heartbreak last season for McDavid, who won playoff MVP on the losing side. Win or lose this time around, there's a good chance he repeats as postseason MVP to become just the fourth player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe in consecutive seasons, joining Bernie Parent, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. Advertisement Also Read:: NHL rumors: Insiders provide update on Mitch Marner, potential replacement for Toronto Maple Leafs Tom Castro – Staff Writer Despite McDavid putting on his usual show – he again leads the playoffs with 26 points, one more than teammate Leon Draisaitl – Sergei Bobrovsky has been the most important player for a Panthers team that's in the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year. The seemingly ageless 36-year-old goalie has 12 wins and three shutouts, tops in this postseason, to go with a 2.11 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. Bobrovsky has allowed two or fewer goals in eight of his past nine starts after a somewhat shaky beginning to these playoffs, and was the Panthers biggest edge in series wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. Eric Charles – Staff Writer Since dropping the first two games of the playoffs, the Oilers have lost just two games, and McDavid's play keeps improving. He had three goals and nine points in their five-game win against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final. What's impressive is his will to draw attention in order to find the open player to finish scoring chances, leading to his 20 assists through just 16 games. The Oilers are averaging a playoff-best 4.06 goals per game, which at this stage of the postseason is pretty ridiculous, with their captain leading the way. McDavid's teammate Leon Draisaitl (25 points) as well as Florida's Sam Bennett and Barkov deserve consideration too. But McDavid's dominance can't go unnoticed. He continues to cement his legacy as the best player on the planet even without a Cup … yet. Ben Leeds – Staff Writer McDavid and Draisaitl are seemingly interchangeable as Conn Smythe favorites right now, but the edge goes to McDavid. He has one more point than Draisaitl so far, but what sets him apart was his play to close out the Western Conference Final. With the series tied at one, McDavid took over, recording six points in the final three games, all wins. Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL Experts Name Conn Smythe Favorite Regardless of Stanley Cup Final Outcome
NHL Experts Name Conn Smythe Favorite Regardless of Stanley Cup Final Outcome originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final pits the Edmonton Oilers against the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last year's seven-game series. Advertisement Edmonton's push to end its 35-year championship drought will be led once again by superstar center Connor McDavid, who enters the finals as the playoff scoring leader. McDavid has 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 16 games, one more point than teammate Leon Draisaitl (seven goals, 18 assists). Aleksander Barkov, meanwhile, leads all Panthers players with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 postseason games. McDavid's postseason dominance is again fueling debate over the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded annually to the most valuable player of the playoffs. The Oilers captain claimed the award last year despite playing for the losing team, joining a short list that featured only five players who did the same before he achieved the feat. Advertisement As the Oilers prepare for another run at the Cup, NHL Network's Mike Rupp believes McDavid could repeat the rare feat. "In theory, I would say, I don't know if they would vote for him, because he got that last year in a losing effort," Rupp said. "This guy's all-world, so I'm gonna say: yeah." "There's not many people I think that would be able to repeat in a losing effort. But if there's someone to prove everybody wrong, it's probably McDavid." Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) during a stoppage of play in the 2025 Stanley Cup Wild-Imagn Images Former goaltender Devan Dubnyk agreed, citing McDavid's betting odds and the unique precedent he continues to set. "Nobody loves to have that Conn Smythe guy in the losing team," Dubnyk said. "However, McDavid is that special... they might not have an option, they might have to pick him." Advertisement McDavid is the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy with +120 odds on DraftKings, followed by Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (+250) and Florida's forward Barkov (+550). Related: Don Cherry Doubles Down on Stanley Cup Final Winner Pick Related: NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Stanley Cup Final picks, odds: Best prop bets for Panthers vs. Oilers
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The 2024-25 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers gets underway Wednesday night at Rogers Place in Alberta. By now, you know the storylines. It's a rematch of last year's classic seven-game series and Connor McDavid's second opportunity to win his first Stanley Cup. It's also the third consecutive trip to the Final for the Panthers. The Stanley Cup Final is always dripping with drama, but this year's showpiece has everything you want in a matchup. To get ready, we've combed through the entire betting menu for the Stanley Cup Final and honed in on our favorite props for what should be a thriller between the Oilers and Panthers. Best bet to lead the series in points: Anton Lundell, Panthers (100/1, FanDuel) Look, it'd be easy to make the case for McDavid (+170) or Leon Draisaitl (+220), but their prices are too short to get excited about, especially since Florida can make life difficult for the Oilers' dynamic duo. If you want to go with one of McDavid or Draisaitl, don't let me stop you. But I will make the case for a long shot, too. Anton Lundell comes into the Stanley Cup Final with 12 points in 17 games. That's a healthy total, but it puts him eighth on the Panthers this postseason and five points behind Aleksander Barkov for the lead. However, I think Lundell has more scoring upside than usual in this series. Edmonton's Connor McDavid leads the playoffs in points. AP Paul Maurice is going to do everything he can to get Barkov out against McDavid, which will make it quite difficult for Florida's No. 1 center to continue his scoring pace. Similarly, I think we'll see a lot of Sam Bennett's line, which features Matthew Tkachuk, squaring up against Draisaitl. That should leave a pretty favorable matchup for Lundell's line, which has been dynamite all postseason. Lundell, Brad Marchand, and Eetu Luostarinen have combined for 39 points in the first three rounds. Betting on the NHL? Best bet to lead the series in goals: Connor McDavid (+500, FanDuel) If you want to make one McDavid-related bet before the Final, I'd make it this one. Draisaitl is the favorite to lead the series in goals at +300, but he's only got one more goal than McDavid in the playoffs so far. Plus, it's McDavid who leads the playoffs in shots with 59, eight more than the next player. Florida's Sam Bennett has 10 goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Best bet to win the Conn Smythe for the Oilers: Leon Draisaitl (+800, bet365) McDavid is sitting at -110 odds to win the Conn Smythe, which suggests he will take home the award for the second year in a row if Edmonton wins this series. That certainly could happen, but it seems premature to connect an Oilers win to McDavid being named Playoff MVP. Not when Draisaitl is just one point behind No. 97 in the scoring race. Let's put it this way: Draisaitl is +220 to lead this series in scoring and +300 to score the most goals. If he does either of those things, and the Oilers win, it will be tough not to give him the Conn Smythe. Best bet to win the Conn Smythe for the Panthers: Sam Bennett (33/1, FanDuel) Sergei Bobrovsky has the shortest odds of any Panther and the Russian netminder has been superb this spring, but he'll have his work cut out for him against the Oilers. Instead, we'll zero in on Bennett, who leads the Panthers in goals (10) and shots (51) this postseason. Florida's No. 2 center has a penchant for scoring massive goals, and his physical style of play could help tilt the scales in the favor of the defending champs. Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cook sent off for dangerous challenge against City
Jake Oettinger Continues To Make His Case For Conn Smythe The Dallas Stars currently stand on the verge of moving on to the Western Conference Final for the third straight season. Along with receiving clutch scoring, Dallas have recipients of some stellar goal tending from Jake Oettinger. Not only has Oettinger closed the door in the closing minutes of recent playoff games, his performance will certainly put him in the Conn Smythe candidacy conversation. 2:25 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
