- ABC News
- June 3, 2024
Generational players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are making their Final debuts, and the Edmonton Oilers have a chance to lift their first Stanley Cup since the days of Mark Messier. However, it's the Florida Panthers, making their second straight Stanley Cup Final appearance, who enter the series as favorites. Florida opened at -125 to win the Cup, with Edmonton coming in as +105 underdogs, per ESPN BET odds. While the Panthers were not favored amid a crowded field entering the playoffs at 10-1, they took on favorite status several times, with the first coming during their second-round series against the Boston Bruins. They attracted the second-largest percentage of bets (15.6%) and fourth largest of handle (15.1%) at ESPN BET. The Oilers entered the postseason at +750 to win it all and were favorites May 6-8, then again May 24 at +185 odds. Edmonton opened the NHL season at +800 to hoist the Stanley Cup and moved to as long as 22-1...