Considering Florida squeaked into the playoffs and rode a hot goalie during their run, these odds aren't terribly surprising
With the 2023-24 NHL season inching closer by the day, it’s the right time for those of us who place bets and/or play fantasy hockey to start thinking about which teams and which players we want to place our money on.
Over at BetMGM, they’re already putting out future odds on the upcoming campaign.
That includes who the Stanley Cup winner will be, and who will come out on top of each division.
Where the Florida Panthers stack up in the season predictions and betting odds will be interesting to see.
Considering the Panthers are the defending Eastern Conference Champions, one would think that should pull some weight for a team that ultimately had a mediocre regular season and squeaked into the playoffs before catching fire thanks in part to a red-hot goaltender.
In terms of the Atlantic Division, BetMGM has Florida finishing exactly where they did last season, in fourth.
· Maple Leafs: +300
· Bruins: +325
· Lightning: +325
· Panthers: +550
· Sabres: +900
· Senators: +1100
· Red Wings: +1600
· Canadiens: +6600
The Panthers at +550 means if you bet $100 on Florida at those odds, you’d win $550.
Regarding the trophy that really matters, the Stanley Cup, Florida comes in with the 11th-shortest odds to finish the job they came three wins shy of back in June.
There are six teams in the Eastern Conference who BetMGM gave shorter odds to win the Cup than the Panthers, who come in at +1800.
· Avalanche: +800
· Oilers: +950
· Maple Leafs: +1000
· Bruins: +1100
· Devils: +1100
· Hurricanes: +1200
· Golden Knights: +1200
· Rangers: +1400
· Lightning: +1400
· Stars: +1600
· Panthers: +1800
· Kings: +2200
· Flames: +2200