The Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche lead as co-favorites (+750 at BetMGM) for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. However, two compelling sleeper picks deserve serious consideration.

Edmonton Oilers (+950)

• Made Cup finals last year, losing Game 7 to Florida
• Won 48 regular season games (3rd seed in Pacific)
• Key players: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl
• Notable injuries: Mattias Elkholm (out first round), Evander Kane and John Klingberg (questionable)
• Have defeated Kings in first round three consecutive years
• Stuart Skinner provides solid goaltending despite recent injuries

Tampa Bay Lightning (+1100)

• Won Cups in 2020 and 2021, reached finals in 2022
• NHL's #1 offense and 3rd in goals allowed
• Nikita Kucherov led NHL with 121 points
• 40+ goal scorers: Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel
• Elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (2 Cups, Conn Smythe winner)
• Split season series with Florida
• Favorable playoff path through potentially pressured Toronto

Both teams combine championship pedigree with elite talent and proven playoff performance. Edmonton's offensive firepower and Tampa's complete team structure make them particularly dangerous at these odds, despite their current challenges.

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