With only one week left in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. One first-round series is confirmed, with the Carolina Hurricanes set to face the New Jersey Devils in a Metropolitan Division rivalry.

Carolina currently has a seven-point advantage for second place and home-ice advantage in this matchup. The Washington Capitals have already secured the top spot in their division and are favored to finish first in the Eastern Conference, coasting into a series against the likely second wild-card team, the Montreal Canadiens, who have a comfortable lead for the playoff spot.

Several teams including the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche are locked into postseason trades in the Western Conference, and sportsbooks have the Dallas Stars at +600 to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1999. The Panthers are also strong contenders at +650 according to some oddsmakers. Their chances largely depend on the return of Matthew Tkachuk, who is sidelined with an injury.

As the matchups develop, this article outlines the best bets to secure the Stanley Cup title and highlights teams to steer clear of.