In March 2025, the regular season of the National Hockey League is approaching its end, which means the most thrilling time for hockey fans is about to begin – the Stanley Cup playoffs. This trophy, the oldest in North American professional sports, established back in 1892 by the Governor General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston, remains the pinnacle of achievement for all hockey teams.
The History of the Legendary Trophy
The Stanley Cup was originally intended to reward the winners among amateur hockey clubs in Canada. However, as professional hockey evolved, its status changed. Between 1915 and 1926, the Cup was contested between champions of the NHA/NHL and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. After the latter ceased to exist in 1926, the Cup became exclusively the NHL’s prize. Interestingly, there were years in history when no winner was determined – 1919 due to the Spanish flu epidemic and 2005 after the lockout.
Favorites of the Season
At the moment, bookmakers highlight several contenders for victory. The leaders are considered to be the Edmonton Oilers with odds of +600. The team boasts a powerful offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have been demonstrating phenomenal play for several seasons now. For the Canadian team, this success is especially important, as the last time a Canadian club won the Cup was way back in 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens triumphed.
The Strong Five
Among other favorites, it is worth noting the Carolina Hurricanes (+800). This team stands out for its balanced roster and reliable defense. The Florida Panthers, last year’s champions, also retain high chances of winning with the same odds of +800. The Dallas Stars (+850) theoretically have the potential to repeat the path of less obvious winners from past years, but their form and luck in the series will be key factors. Rounding out the top five are the Washington Capitals (+1000), where Alexander Ovechkin continues to fight for his second Stanley Cup in his career.
Analyzing Recent Trends
If we look at recent history, it becomes clear that unpredictable results often become the main feature of the playoffs. For example, the Florida Panthers won the Cup in the 2023/2024 season, starting their journey with odds of +800. Earlier, in the 2022/2023 season, the Vegas Golden Knights emerged victorious with odds of +1200. These examples demonstrate that modern hockey is full of surprises, and even teams not among the obvious favorites can create serious competition for the leaders.
Future Prospects
All that remains is to watch how events unfold in the playoffs. Perhaps this season Edmonton will finally achieve their goal, or Florida will prove that last year’s victory was no fluke. It is not impossible that one of the less prominent teams will repeat the path of the St. Louis Blues in 2018/2019, who began the season with odds of +1250 and still managed to win the Cup. One thing is certain – the battle for the NHL’s main trophy always keeps viewers on edge until the final whistle.
