2025-2026 NHL Stanley Cup Betting
One of the most important factors for NHL gamblers to be mindful of is that every team will have good and bad stretches during the marathon schedule. This year, the NHL season will have an Olympic break from February 6 to February 25. Because of going dark for so long, the 82-game NHL schedule is more compressed with fewer days off. Thus, some teams will be short of breath, while others will have more favorable scheduling opportunities. These dynamics can offer opportunities for teams that have been down or discounted.
The Buffalo Sabres are a great example of a team that could emerge as a surprise playoff team. Buffalo has not made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season and has been at the bottom of the standings for much of the 2025-26 campaign. But Buffalo has caught fire and is pushing for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Hockey Betting Lines
Rangers at Panthers Odds and Preview
LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, will host the Winter Classic matchup between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers on Friday, January 2, 2026. Faceoff time is at 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on TNT.
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NHL Future Market Update and Teams to Watch
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have eight payouts in their most recent 10 games, now standing at 19-14-4. Buffalo is tied with the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Buffalo has been one of the best values on the board at home, with a 12-5-2 record. The Sabres rank 16th in the NHL for goal scoring, 15th for the power play, 22nd for goals against, and 2nd for penalty killing.
Head coach Lindy Ruff is the ultimate Buffalo Sabre. Ruff began his playing career in 1979 with the Sabres and stayed with the team through the 1988-89 season. Subsequently, Ruff was named head coach of the Sabres for the 1997-98 season and lasted until early in the 2012-13 campaign. Ruff took the Sabres to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. Last year, he returned behind the Buffalo bench and went 36-39-7. Ruff has had his share of struggles and low moments since his return to Buffalo, but the team finally looks on track.
Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 18 goals, 16 assists, 34 points, and a -11. Last year, Thompson scored 44 goals, his second-highest total, topped only by 47 in 2022-23. Thompson was originally drafted 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues.
Alex Lyon has emerged as a reliable goaltender. Lyon has a goals-against average of 2.87 and a save percentage of .907. Lyons has a record of 9-6-3.
On December 29, the Sabres begin a 3-game road trip with a matchup against the St. Louis Blues. That is followed by a December 31 game against the Dallas Stars. The road trip ends on January 3 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Although the future market is taking a measured approach with Buffalo, the Sabres have caught the attention of sharps for their improved betting value.
Montreal Canadiens
Last year, the Montreal Canadiens ended a 3-season playoff drought and posted their first winning season since 2021. Head coach Martin St. Louis has proven to be an astute choice, methodically improving the team each season since taking over midway through the 2021-22 campaign. So far this season, Montreal is 20-12-5 and 23-11 over the total. Montreal is 6th in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Canadiens have flashed their Flying Frenchmen DNA with one of the most prolific offenses in the NHL. Montreal ranks 5th in the NHL for goal scoring and power play efficiency. However, the back end remains a concern for fans and gamblers. Montreal ranks 23rd for goals against and 23rd for penalty killing.
Cole Caufield was the Canadiens' 1st-round draft pick in 2019 and has proven to be an astute choice. Last year, Caufield had a career season with 37 goals, 33 assists, and 70 points with a +9. So far this year, Caufield has 18 goals, 18 assists, 70 points, and a +7.
On December 30, Montreal has a tough road game against the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The Canadiens will then continue with three more road games, starting on January 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. On January 3, the Canadiens are at the St. Louis Blues. The road trip ends on January 4 against the Dallas Stars.
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