Thus far this season, it's safe to say that things have not gone according to plan for the Oilers. The Western Conference powerhouse entered the year looking to make a statement, but that has hardly been the case through four games. That's right, the Oilers are 1-3 to open the new campaign, which no one saw coming. Having said that, the Edmonton Oilers remain favored to win the 2024-25 Stanley Cup despite their rough start. Will they be able to get the job done?
The Oilers are trying to wipe away the rough memories from an early exit to title contention last season. Stay player Connor McDavid was understandably upset about the way things went down, especially after Edmonton was forced to watch the Florida Panthers take home the title for the first time in the organization's history. Now, McDavid is using the rough start as fuel to keep trying to improve on a daily basis. This team as a whole needs to step things up.
| Stanley Cup odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers to win | +850 | +850 | +850 |
| Panthers to win | +950 | +950 | +950 |
| Stars to win | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Rangers to win | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
"We're getting beat in a lot of battles, we're getting beat in a lot of different ways," McDavid said in a recent interview. "The puck play has been bad all over. Guys have been fumbling it, guys not handling it. Passes in the air, passes behind guys, it's just not good enough in terms of the puck play."
According to the best online sports betting sites, the Oilers hold +850 NHL betting odds to win the Stanley Cup this season. About two weeks ago, people were feeling a lot more confident in them winning it all, but the sluggish beginning to the campaign has some people worried. It's fair to feel that way, but in the end, something tells us the Oilers will win their first title since 1990. We're indeed going with Edmonton as our pick.
The #Oilers killed off five penalties, Stu stopped 27 & Leon was the OT hero. We have your winning numbers from last night's first victory of the season.@CenturyCasEDM | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/v3eHYRiiEa
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 16, 2024
The Florida Panthers are hoping to repeat as Stanley Cup champs this year
While there's a lot of focus on Edmonton, keep in mind that the Florida Panthers are hoping to repeat as Stanley Cup champs this year. The Panthers made history last season, surprising everyone by pulling things off. Now, they have a loaded field ready to prevent them from repeating. The long list of course includes the Oilers, while the Rangers, Stars, Devils and others are fired up to make noise.
In the Eastern Conference, we have a feeling it's going to be a year to remember for the Rangers. New York looked impressive in 2023-24, but their efforts in the postseason fell a bit short. They're another team that has revenge on their minds. Having said that, the Panthers brought back a ton of talent from last year's squad and the motivation is high to prove that their title run wasn't a fluke at all.
"We don't try to be something we're not," Florida Panthers CEO Matt Caldwell said in a recent interview with ESPN. "We're very honest with ourselves, vulnerable, and just real. We like to double down on our strengths, and then improve our weaknesses, but not spend too much time on them."
According to the top NHL betting sites, the Panthers are right behind the Oilers in terms of Stanley Cup betting odds, being placed at +950. Edmonton, keep in mind, is at +850. Yes, Florida is riding high right now and they're playing the game with swagger. It will be interesting to see if they can go on another deep run, but we're sticking with Edmonton as our pick. Want to bet on the action? The BetOnline sign up bonus is a great way to get your foot in the door there.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY THE FLORIDA PANTHERS ARE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/CiyfIOXf4J
— Katie Engleson (@KatieEngleson) June 25, 2024
Connor McDavid is hoping to win the Hart Trophy this season
Lastly, it goes without saying, but Connor McDavid is hoping to win the Hart Trophy this season. The Hart Trophy is the NHL's version of the MVP honor, which goes to the best player in the league at the end of the year. Time and time again, McDavid has proven to be one of the top players in the NHL.
He's an exciting young talent and his incredible balance is something that has fired up Oilers fans for quite some time. Now, though, all that's missing for McDavid is to make a ton of noise both in the regular season and in the playoffs. If the Oilers end up going on a deep playoffs run, it will be largely in part because of McDavid.
When he's at his best, he's arguably the best standout out there. McDavid's potential is a ton of fun to follow. Even the biggest of Edmonton haters can't deny that McDavid is oozing with talent. Soon enough we'll find out if he can lead his team to the promised land, but if he does, there's no reason he shouldn't receive this award late in the season. He's no doubt our pick to be the Hart Trophy winner.
