The Western Conference Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to feature a compelling clash between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars. This series begins shortly after the Florida Panthers secured a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes to open the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Oilers-Stars matchup highlights some of hockey`s premier talents, with key players like Connor McDavid from Edmonton and Mikko Rantanen from Dallas expected to be major factors throughout the series, frequently exchanging scoring opportunities. For Game 1, Dallas is considered the favorite with consensus odds around -129, and the anticipated total number of goals is set at 6. If you`re interested in wagering on the NHL playoffs and exploring options among top betting platforms, this guide will help you understand where and how to place your bets.
This article will detail how to bet on the NHL and where you can find opportunities for wagering on the playoffs, including the crucial Oilers-Stars Game 1.
Where to Bet on the NHL
Various online sportsbooks and their mobile applications provide platforms for betting on the NHL, covering games in both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. You can find options for wagering on the ongoing 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs through many reputable betting apps.
How to Bet on the NHL
Using your mobile phone, tablet, or computer via sportsbooks, you can place wagers on the NHL Eastern and Western Conference Finals. Bets can cover the outcome of an entire series, specific individual games, or various unique events within a game (often called prop bets). Here are some common types of NHL wagers available for these playoff series and the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals:
- Money line: This is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score difference.
- Spread: Also known as the puck line in hockey, this involves betting on a team based on the margin of victory. For example, if you bet on a favored team at -1.5, they must win by two or more goals for your bet to win. Conversely, betting on the underdog at +1.5 means they can either win the game or lose by only one goal to cover the spread and win your wager.
- Over/Under: Referred to as the total, this bet is on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be more (Over) or less (Under) than a specific number set by the sportsbook. For instance, if the total is 5.5, an “Under” bet wins if five or fewer goals are scored combined, while an “Over” bet wins if six or more goals are scored.
- Props: Proposition bets are wagers on specific events or statistics within a game or series that don`t necessarily relate to the final score. Examples include betting on a player`s number of goals, assists, total points, or shots on goal in a game.
- Parlay: A parlay combines multiple individual bets (legs) into a single wager. For the parlay to win, every single bet within it must be successful. This increases the potential payout significantly compared to placing each bet individually, but it also carries a higher risk as one incorrect pick means the entire parlay loses.
- Live betting: This involves placing wagers on a game after it has already started. The odds for various outcomes change dynamically throughout the game based on the current score, time elapsed, and other factors. For example, if the first period is low-scoring, the Over/Under total might decrease from the initial line.
Rules and Responsible Gaming
It is essential for all bettors to be aware of their personal limits and engage in responsible gaming practices. Most sportsbooks provide users with resources and tools to help manage their betting activity, such as options to set limits on time spent or money wagered, and the ability to self-exclude from betting platforms. Additionally, several national resources offer support for problem gambling, including the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Gamblers Anonymous. Help is also often available via dedicated phone or text helplines, such as calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
