The Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize in Ice Hockey and is awarded annually to the winning play-off side in the NHL. It is one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, particularly in the USA and Canada and it brings the curtain down on a long-hard season for two sides. It is a big betting event for myself and many others also enjoy a season-long punt on this hugely competitive event

Where and When?

The Stanley Cup final is played annually following the end-of-season play-offs. There is no set date but it roughly takes place at the end of May. The venue will be pre-determined and tends to change each year. In 2018, it took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington.

Why is the Stanley Cup so Popular?

Like the culmination of any sporting season, millions of fans have invested in their favourite teams throughout the campaign and the Stanley Cup is the match which determines which side will come out on top. Even if their side has been eliminated in the play-offs, NHL fans will often tune in to see which side will collect the silverware.

The league is extremely competitive and there are plenty of talking points throughout the season which keep hockey fans returning for more. Familiar names are another reason that sports enthusiasts tune into the Stanley Cup final. With so much at stake, it is always a cracking watch and neutrals such as myself always ensure we’re able to tune in!

There is also a huge amount of history and prestige to lifting the Stanley Cup as the first championship was held all the way back in 1893 and for many fans, it is a chance to sit down and enjoy the action with a few beers.

What Betting Opportunities are Available?

Most online sportsbooks will have odds available throughout the year and punters can choose to wager on the Stanley Cup winner at the beginning of the regular season or wait until the field has been whittled down to just two.

Longer odds will be available at the beginning of the campaign and although many of these prices are hugely tempting, most punters will opt to wait until they’ve seen each team perform at least once during the course of the regular season. With 82 games to be played throughout the campaign, the odds can fluctuate wildly and it’s a good opportunity for NHL aficionados to hedge their bets.

As well as long-term betting, specific match-odds will become available once the two participants have been decided. These markets include Under/Over points, Puck Line Handicaps, Winning Margin as well as individual player markets. The latter will include each team member and their odds of scoring once, twice or the first point of the game. Another market that I like is the Stanley Cup MVP (Most Valuable Player) and this is awarded after the Stanley Cup Final. It is awarded to the player who has performed in an outstanding manner throughout the entire season. Typically it will be given to a player who has competed in the final. This market tends to be available throughout the post-season and I always look for players who are catching the eye from January onwards.

Popular Betting Markets 

Stanley Cup Winner – This market is available throughout the season and requires your chosen team to make it all the way to the final and be victorious in the showpiece event. The odds are often based on performances throughout the previous season and off-season trades.

To Reach the Stanley Cup Final – Another hugely popular market which allows a little more flexibility. Your chosen team will need to reach the final two and be competing in the Stanley Cup Final in order for this bet to land. This market is often very popular once the post-season play-off line-up has been decided.

To Reach the Play-Offs – The Play-Offs comprise of the top three sides in each conference plus two additional wildcards. It is always suitably competitive and is hugely entertaining to watch. Although time difference can cause problems for bettor in Europe, like myself, NHL fans will battle through the tiredness in order to watch each and every match. At the start of the season, markets are available on each side to make it beyond the regular season. Some teams are always involved and rarely fail to qualify and these are often short prices. I always look for sides who finished the previous season strongly or who are extremely consistent without being showy.

Winning Conference – Bookmakers often have odds on which conference the winning team will have been competing in throughout the season. These are usually roughly 50/50 markets and it simply a case of backing East or West.

Winning Division – Same as above but with more options available to punters. If you believe that the Atlantic Division looks particularly strong then this might be an opportunity to place a bet on the winner coming from that particular section. With four different options, the odds are slightly less prohibitive on this market.

Play-Off Accumulators

Play-off accumulators are extremely popular leading up to the Stanley Cup final. Most of the matches will be played at a similar time (dependent on time difference) and this is perfect for punters to assess each team’s chances of success. In order to land an accumulator, every side must win their match. Sides who have experiences players can often prevail at this stage of the season are more likely to be included in multiple bets.

Bobby’s Betting Tips for the Stanley Cup

• Momentum plays a huge part in sport. Always look to back a side who have ended the regular season in decent form and also look for those who have a strong winning mentality
• Check each teams roster and make a note of players who have played in the Stanley Cup final previously. It is a big occasion and some younger players can often be overawed so having experienced heads around them will undoubtedly help
• Just because it’s a game between the two best teams in the NHL, don’t naturally assume that it is going to be a high-scoring contest. Sides often reach this stage due to having an effective defence and with so much at stakes, coaches are less likely to take unnecessary risks.
• Take advantage of additional markets. Bookmakers will want people to bet on the Stanley Cup and as a result, they will price up numerous markets which aren’t ordinarily available throughout the season. Don’t discount these extra betting opportunities.

Where to Watch the Stanley Cup Final in the UK?

Premier Sports will show highlights of the Stanley Cup Final 24 hours after the game however if you wish to watch it live, UK viewers can subscribe to nhl.tv for a small fee.

Premier Sports will also show NHL games throughout the regular season.

Betting on the Stanley Cup

If you’re thinking of having a wager on the Stanley Cup ahead of the 2019 event, make sure you take advantage of the many betting bonuses currently available including Acca Insurance, which is handy for daily accumulators on the tournament!