The Florida Panthers finally captured their first Stanley Cup in franchise history by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the 2024 Finals. Aleksander Barkov led the team as its captain, becoming the first Finnish-born NHL captain to lift the Cup for his squad. With a decisive Game 7 performance featuring a clutch goal from Sam Reinhart and 23 saves by Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers cemented themselves as champions. But are they primed to run it back?
Historically speaking, consecutive Stanley Cup wins have been rare in the salary cap era, with teams facing financial constraints and increased competition. Since the mid-2000s cap implementation, only a few teams—most notably the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021—have managed the feat. Florida is now one of the favorites to join that shortlist.
Retention of Core Talent Keeps Florida Competitive
The Panthers go into the second half of the 2024-25 season largely intact. Aleksander Barkov remains a dominant two-way presence, and secondary scoring contributors like Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe remain after their landmark performances in the 2024 playoffs. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, whose postseason consistency was instrumental, is still anchoring the team in the crease.
Trade deadline departures and acquisitions will shape Stanley Cup odds, but regardless of what happens the core nucleus of the team will remain intact.
On the ice, the Atlantic Division is Florida’s for the taking. With odds of +140 to win the Atlantic and +400 to come out as Eastern Conference Champions, oddsmakers still view the Florida Panthers as heavy NHL favorites.
OK, Donald Trump now that you are the 47th President there is an important piece of business that needs to be handled today….
FLORIDA PANTHERS!!!!!
What date are the defending Stanley Cup champions heading to the White House? #TimeToHunt
— John A. Labban (@johnalabban4629) January 20, 2025
Comprehensive Betting Odds and Predictions for the second half of NHL 2024-25
The Florida Panthers enter the second half of the 2024-25 season with odds to win the Stanley Cup ranging from +900 to +800 depending on the sportsbook. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers (+600), Dallas Stars (+900), and Colorado Avalance (+1100) are in form. The Panthers are in a great position to make a deep playoff run. Platforms focused on sports betting, like Bet365 and FanDuel are telling the betting public that the Panthers have a 10% chance to repeat as Champions.
At the end of the day, the NHL is competitively balanced and when the playoffs start this spring – several teams have a chance to win.
The Field: Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars & Colorado Avalanche
We are banking on our Panthers emerging from the Eastern Conference. Until proven otherwise, there is no reason to fear teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes & New York Rangers. In looking at the West, Florida’s biggest hurdles will be the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche. Some key Memorial Trophy and Vezina trophy odds highlight this storyline.
As long as health is a non-factor, the Edmonton Oilers and the combination of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will play a role in who takes home the Championship. In looking at Hart Memorial Trophy odds, you can get odds on McDavid at (+350) and Draisaitl at (+270).
Not bad that the Florida Panthers have the third best odds betting wise to win the Stanley Cup. Granted, I think Edmonton will get beat in the WCF or WCSF due to lack of defense and elite goaltending. Best bet right now due to style of play would be the…
— John A. Labban (@johnalabban4629) January 24, 2025
The Dallas Stars boast one of the deepest rosters in the NHL and have the defensive reliability to give the Panthers a run for their money. They have a strong defense that is led by goalie Jake Oettinger, who is playing lights out. Keep an eye out on Jake and his opportunity to win the Vezina Trophy at (+10000). Should you be looking for a fun long shot with a big payoff, this could be your play.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are back in the mix and are only a few years removed from their last Stanley Cup Title. The team is led by Nathan MacKinnon who has an average Memorial Trophy line of (+250).
Big Name Panthers Poised To Repeat Postseason Magic
Sure, it is a little frustrating to not see our top stars highlighted as favorites in the 2024-25 regular season MVP odds. Sergei Bobrovsky has struggled this season but has played a ton of hockey over the past few years. Our other big-name players are not as sexy as the notables mentioned and that is 100% OK. In fact, we prefer it this way.
Our top-line skaters like Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, and Matthew Tkachuk continue to fly under the big-name radar. None of them are mentioned as top Hart or Vezenia Trophy contenders. However, they are reliable playoff performers and that is all that matters.
The "big dogs" the last 20 games for the Florida Panthers
Sam Reinhart 9 goals 4 assists
Matthew Tkachuk 4 goals 7 assists
Aleksander Barkov 4 goals 8 assists
Carter Verhaeghe 3 goals 8 assists
Anton Lundell 3 goals 9 assists
Sam Bennett 1 goal 2 assistsSergei Bobrovsky…
— David (@David954FLA) January 23, 2025
Florida Panthers Conclusion
The team has positioned themselves as strong contenders for back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. With core players like Bobrovsky, Barkov, Reinhart, Verhaeghe, and Tkachuk leading the charge, the Panthers have a golden opportunity to repeat as champions. Odds on regular season individual player accolades favor players outside the Panthers’ core. However, when it comes to championship teams as a whole, oddsmakers are finding it hard to look past Florida.
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