Buffalo Sabres, ending a 14-year drought, emerge as exciting underdogs in the postseason
Category: Sports
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, April 18, with the Colorado Avalanche entering as the clear favorites to capture the championship. With odds of +300, the Avalanche are aiming to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team since 2013 to win both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season.
Following the Avalanche in the odds are the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, listed at +475 and +500, respectively, according to DraftKings. The Avalanche's strong performance throughout the regular season, where they finished with the league’s best record, has solidified their status as the team to beat.
"Analytics is really what's driving these numbers," said Karry Shreeve, lead hockey trader at Caesars Sportsbook, in an interview with ESPN. He emphasized that Colorado, along with Carolina and Tampa Bay, are the highest-rated teams based on underlying metrics. Shreeve noted that these analytics hold true even when they don’t align with final standings or past playoff narratives.
One of the intriguing storylines of this year’s playoffs involves the Vegas Golden Knights, who find themselves tied with the Dallas Stars for fourth place on DraftKings' odds board at 10-1. Shreeve expressed skepticism about the Golden Knights’ potential, citing power ratings but acknowledged their momentum under new head coach John Tortorella, who has led the team to a 7-0-1 finish to the regular season. This momentum could prove beneficial as they navigate a relatively easy path through the historically weak Pacific Division.
In terms of betting trends, the public has shown a clear preference for underdog teams, particularly the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres ended a record 14-year playoff drought by winning the Atlantic Division and are currently listed at 14-1 odds to win the Cup. Their resurgence has captured the attention of bettors, who are eager to support the scrappy underdogs.
"Just because teams have a decent start, that doesn't really move the needle for us to move the odds that quickly," said Johnny Avello, director of DraftKings Sportsbook. He explained that sportsbooks are often cautious about shortening the odds for teams like Buffalo too quickly, as they worry about potential fizzling out later in the season.
At BetMGM, the Sabres have attracted the most tickets (15.8%) to win the Eastern Conference, but the largest liability in that market belongs to the Montreal Canadiens, who hold 30.4% of the handle. Other teams generating interest among bettors include the Pittsburgh Penguins at 25-1 odds and the Philadelphia Flyers at 70-1.
The bracket for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs was finalized following NHL games on April 16, 2026. The Eastern Conference first-round matchups feature the Boston Bruins against the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens facing the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Ottawa Senators matched up against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the Western Conference, the first-round matchups include the Los Angeles Kings versus the Colorado Avalanche, the Minnesota Wild against the Dallas Stars, the Utah Mammoth facing the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Anaheim Ducks matched up against the Edmonton Oilers.
As the playoffs approach, the Avalanche's championship pedigree and strong analytics position them as formidable contenders. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres’ underdog story adds an exciting narrative to the postseason. The return of the Sabres to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 has generated buzz, and their passionate fan base is hopeful for a deep run.
Looking back, the Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games, marking their second consecutive championship. This recent success adds to the competitive atmosphere as teams vie for the coveted trophy.
As the puck drops on the first round, anticipation is high for a thrilling series of matchups. The playoffs will showcase the skill and determination of the teams and the unpredictable nature of postseason hockey. With the Avalanche leading the charge and underdogs like the Sabres ready to make their mark, the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs promise to deliver excitement and drama.
As fans gear up for the opening games, the ice to see which team can rise to the occasion and claim the ultimate prize in hockey.