2024 Stanley Cup Dark Horses: 5 NHL Teams to Bet On

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are a team to watch heading into the postseason. There was some uncertainty about whether or not they'd qualify, but they've put those concerns to rest over the last two weeks. The Golden Knights showed they can win it all with this core last season, and there's no reason to believe that's changed unless you're on the side of the fatigue factor. The Golden Knights aren't a perfect team, but they bring a playoff brand of hockey to the ice every night, and that's valuable at this time of year.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +1300
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Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are not a dark horse, but they are currently undervalued by the oddsmakers, which is why we've listed them as a value pick. The Avalanche didn't hang around long in the postseason last year and are ready to demonstrate why they have the roster to go on another Stanley Cup run in 2024. All Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have continued to prove they are big-game superstars, so it won't be a surprise if the Avs hoist their second Stanley Cup in three years.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +800
Dallas Stars
The oddsmakers have been all over the Dallas Stars this season, and we should likely be on board with them. This group is loaded with youth and the right amount of veterans, which can propel them to a deep playoff run. The biggest wild card is whether goaltender Jake Oettinger can return to the form we know he's capable of. It's been a puzzling year for the American netminder, but we already know what he can do in the postseason when he's on his game.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +850
Edmonton Oilers
Following the Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup odds has been interesting. Even after their dismal start to the season, their odds never waivered to the point where the sportsbooks would be on the hook for a significant liability. With Connor McDavid leading the charge, anything is possible with this group. The Oilers have had multiple deep postseason runs in the McDavid era, and there's value in backing this being the year they push through.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +850
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Boston Bruins
Even though the Boston Bruins are in the driver's seat for the Atlantic Division crown, they still aren't being given much respect from the oddsmakers. Maybe it has something to do with their early playoff exit last year, but we're not buying it. We've already seen a historic team like the Tampa Bay Lightning lose in the first round and go on to win the Stanley Cup the following year, and it wouldn't surprise us if the Bruins go out and do that in 2024. The Bruins are built on the backs of their goaltending and defense, which has Stanley Cup potential written all over it.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +1300
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are a team to watch heading into the postseason. There was some uncertainty about whether or not they'd qualify, but they've put those concerns to rest over the last two weeks. The Golden Knights showed they can win it all with this core last season, and there's no reason to believe that's changed unless you're on the side of the fatigue factor. The Golden Knights aren't a perfect team, but they bring a playoff brand of hockey to the ice every night, and that's valuable at this time of year.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +1300
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are not a dark horse, but they are currently undervalued by the oddsmakers, which is why we've listed them as a value pick. The Avalanche didn't hang around long in the postseason last year and are ready to demonstrate why they have the roster to go on another Stanley Cup run in 2024. All Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have continued to prove they are big-game superstars, so it won't be a surprise if the Avs hoist their second Stanley Cup in three years.Â
2024 Stanley Cup Odds: +800
