Achieving the ultimate hockey prize requires teams to face a daunting challenge. Merely succeeding in the regular season is not enough; an additional 16 wins are necessary to hoist the Lord Stanley’s Cup in victory once all is said and done.

Regardless of the presence of a bubble, the NHL team that successfully navigates through it deserves recognition for their remarkable accomplishment. The legalization of sports betting in Illinois now allows fans to place bets at every stage of the season, making it easier and more legal to bet on hockey from the offseason to the playoffs.

The Stanley Cup futures market is lively with excitement, as each game in the final series draws in a large amount of betting. We have the latest Stanley Cup betting odds, valuable bonuses, and more information for you to explore. Keep reading for all the details.

Latest 2021 NHL Stanley Cup odds

You don’t have to wait until the playoffs to bet on the next Stanley Cup winner. The futures market is open year-round, with odds adjusting regularly. Stay informed on these changes with our live odds feed.

How to bet online on the Stanley Cup in Illinois

If you are in Illinois and want to place bets on the Stanley Cup, we recommend using our suggested sportsbook operators. Quickly sign up and make the most of amazing bonus offers. Here is a breakdown of how the process works.

Use our unique links to create a betting account. You will be taken to a registration page where you will need to provide your name and birth date. After entering this information, simply check a few boxes and click the submit button.

Get the app for your device from the sportsbook’s site, then log in on your phone to experience its features on a smaller screen. This allows you to access a live sportsbook online and on the go.

Each location includes a dedicated section for NHL betting. If you are a member of BetRivers Sportsbook, you will find a comprehensive list of all available sports for betting. By clicking on the NHL tab, you can easily access all current and upcoming markets for hockey betting.

What bets can you make on the Stanley Cup?

There are numerous options to explore when it comes to betting on the Stanley Cup. Whether it’s predicting the outcomes of individual games in a series, guessing the eventual champion, or placing live bets during the game, there are plenty of ways to get in on the action. This overview highlights the main betting methods and how they operate.

Moneyline

When making a moneyline bet, all you have to do is choose the team you think will win. Each team will have odds listed, with the favorite having negative odds and the underdog having positive odds. To make this easier to understand, let’s look at a hypothetical example.

Boston Bruins +120

Washington Capitals  -130

Puck line

The puck line in hockey adds a spread betting element to the game, with the spread typically set at 1.5 goals in the NHL. Your chosen team must cover the puck line for your bet to win, similar to other sports. For instance:

Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5 (-135)

St. Louis Blues -1.5 (+115)

Totals

Oddsmakers set a projected goal total for the game, and you can place a bet on whether the final number of goals scored will be over or under that amount. The standard total for NHL games is usually 5.5 goals, but this can vary depending on the teams involved. For instance, a total bet might look like this:

Over 5.5 (-110)

Under 5.5 (-110)

Props

To discover Stanley Cup props for a particular game, simply click on the game listing. These prop bets cover various aspects of the game and team performance, with a focus on individual player performance being particularly popular.

• Will Patrick Kane’s combined goals and assists be more than 1.5 (+120) or less than 1.5 (-105)?

Live betting

After the game starts, you can check for live betting opportunities by clicking on the NHL link on the online sportsbook. There is a dedicated section for current offerings, including the most up-to-date game lines and props. One example of a live prop bet could be:

• Will the result of this power play be a goal (-115) or a penalty kill (+110)?

Futures

In the upcoming section, we will explore the option of placing bets on future outcomes, such as predicting the winner of the Stanley Cup. For the latest figures, you can also check out our live odds feed.

Stanley Cup betting explained

The futures market for the upcoming Stanley Cup winner operates year-round, with sportsbooks releasing odds for the following season as soon as the current season ends. Betting lines for all 31 NHL teams are available, usually listed in descending order with the top favorites at the top.

As more bets are placed, the betting line will change based on the direction of the action. This shift will continue throughout the season as interest in different teams changes. Keep checking our live odds feed for the latest updates from different bookmakers.

Here is a quick demonstration of how it works. Let’s say you are looking at the Stanley Cup futures odds and are interested in one of the top five favorites:

Colorado Avalanche +750

Vegas Golden Knights +850

Tampa Bay Lightning +950

Boston Bruins +1,100

Philadelphia Flyers +1,200

After deciding that this is the year the Golden Knights will excel, you choose the appropriate odds to place your bet. Your selection is then added to the bet slip. You enter your wager amount, review all details, and click submit to confirm your bet.

The idea of the futures market is to find the best prices for the options you want, so we suggest comparing different options. Making the right choice can result in significant returns. For example, a successful $100 bet on Vegas at +850 could earn you a profit of $850.

Keep in mind that this is a long-term wager. Any future bets will not be settled until after the event has concluded, so your funds will be locked in that ticket. Be sure to only bet an amount that you can afford and feel comfortable with.

As the Stanley Cup Final approaches, be prepared for a plethora of exciting exploration opportunities. Keep an eye out for these key events:

• Betting on every aspect of every game, including moneyline, puck line, totals, and props.
• Betting on the winner of the entire series.
• Placing a futures bet on the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy.
• Live betting available for all games in the series.

Illinois sportsbook rules for NHL betting

Each online sportsbook and betting app in Illinois has its own set of house rules for wagering on hockey and other sports. While there are similarities in the rules across the industry, it is important to be aware of the specific guidelines set by each platform. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

• Once the game starts, all bets are considered live. If there is a delay or postponement, bets will remain active as long as the game is expected to resume within a reasonable timeframe.
• Bets on player props will be considered valid if the player is dressed and intends to play in the game. If the player does not participate or is ruled out, the bet will be voided.
• When placing bets on games, it is important to note that they may be based on regular play only or may also include overtime. The specific details of the bet will be clearly stated in the listing, so be sure to review it carefully before making your selection to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
• If a season is cancelled in its entirety, any future bets will be voided and refunded.
• Futures bets will only be paid out once the final outcome is determined. For example, bets on the winner of the Stanley Cup will not be settled until the conclusion of the series.

Although this information covers the majority of what you should know, there is still a possibility of encountering an unexpected situation. In these instances, it is recommended to carefully review the house rules of the establishments you are playing at to ensure you are completely informed.

Recent Stanley Cup betting trends

The Stanley Cup has its roots in 1893, when it was initially presented to the Montreal Hockey Club. Since 1927, it has been awarded to the champion of the NHL and has remained a longstanding tradition ever since.

The NHL has undergone impressive growth since its inception, starting with just six teams known as the Original Six. Over the years, the league has expanded multiple times and now boasts 31 participating teams each season.

In the 1970s and 1980s, a few dominant dynasties reigned supreme, but the 1990s saw a mix of teams achieving success. Since the year 2000, the Cup has been awarded 20 times, with a diverse range of teams claiming victory. Here are some key trends that have emerged in the years following.

• Both the Eastern and Western conferences have 10 wins apiece, putting them in a tie.
• During that time, the Stanley Cup Final has gone to seven games on seven occasions. There have been no sweeps, with each series lasting at least five games.
• In 2016-17, the Pittsburgh Penguins became the only team to win back-to-back championships.
• The only time that the same two teams reached consecutive finals was in 2008 when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Penguins, and in 2009 when Pittsburgh emerged victorious over Detroit.

While browsing the futures market, you may see last season’s finalists listed as favorites. Keep in mind that it is very challenging for a team to make it to the finals in the NHL in back-to-back seasons.

Which teams are the favorites to win the 2021 Stanley Cup?

After a standout performance in the early playoff rounds, the Tampa Bay Lightning, current Stanley Cup champions, defeated the Dallas Stars in a thrilling six-game final. The team remains full of talent.

They are considered one of the top contenders to win again, but there are other strong teams at the top of the future odds board. Two teams from the West Division are seen as serious contenders for the Cup. Let’s examine the top three favorites.

The Colorado Avalanche has a talented team with great potential, but their journey is just beginning. They had a strong regular season, earning 92 points and reaching the second round of the NHL playoffs before losing to the Dallas Stars in a seven-game series. Their return to the post-season looks likely, with a good chance at winning the Cup. The Vegas Golden Knights are one of the most successful expansion franchises in league history. In their first season (2017-18), they made it to the Stanley Cup Final but lost to the Washington Capitals in five games. They have reached the playoffs in the following two seasons, but were eliminated by the Stars in the Western Conference final last year. With their track record, they are considered favorites to represent the west in the upcoming season. The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Cup last year despite facing four losses in the first three rounds of the playoffs, defeating the Stars in a six-game series. While winning back-to-back championships will be tough, their strong lineup, led by Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman, makes a repeat victory possible.

Dark horse contenders for the Stanley Cup

Recently, only one team has won the Stanley Cup twice, making it uncertain if the Lightning will win again. While other top contenders are promising, the ultimate winner may be a team with lower odds. Keep an eye on these three dark horse teams:

1. The Edmonton Oilers have consistently had two top-tier players, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, on their roster for many seasons. Despite this, they have not achieved much success in the playoffs. However, it is possible to envision a scenario where their luck changes quickly. Edmonton has the potential to return to their former glory as soon as the upcoming season.
2. The New York Islanders were a standout story in last year’s postseason, making it to the playoffs after defeating the Florida Panthers in the qualifying round. They then dominated the Washington Capitals in the first round with a five-game victory, followed by a grueling seven-game triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers. While they ultimately fell to the Lightning in the conference final, this experience can serve as a significant stepping stone for the Islanders.
3. The Chicago Blackhawks are not just a favored pick. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane consistently deliver top performances, backed by a talented roster. Despite a surprising victory over the Oilers in the last qualifying round, they were ultimately defeated by Vegas in the second round. While they may not match the dominance of previous Blackhawks teams that won three cups in six seasons, this current team has the ability to surprise and hit their stride swiftly.

Stanley Cup winners over the past decade

In the past ten years, only six teams have won the Stanley Cup. One team has won twice, while two teams have each won two championships within a three-year span. The last decade has seen some memorable final series, with two of them being decided in five games. Let’s look back at the past ten champions and their respective runners-up.

Season	Winner	Runner-up	Series Result
2019-20	Tampa Bay Lightning	Dallas Stars	4-2
2018-19	St. Louis Blues	Boston Bruins	4-3
2017-18	Washington Capitals	Vegas Golden Knights	4-1
2016-17	Pittsburgh Penguins	Nashville Predators	4-2
2015-16	Pittsburgh Penguins	San Jose Sharks	4-2
2014-15	Chicago Blackhawks	Tampa Bay Lightning	4-2
2013-14	Los Angeles Kings	New York Rangers	4-1
2012-13	Chicago Blackhawks	Boston Bruins	4-2
2011-12	Los Angeles Kings	New Jersey Devils	4-2
2010-11	Boston Bruins	Vancouver Canucks	4-3

Surprisingly, the Western Conference dominated in the early years of the decade with a 4-1 advantage. But in the last five seasons, the narrative has changed with the Eastern Conference now holding a 4-1 record.

Has a Blackhawks player ever won the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The Conn Smythe Trophy has been given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs since the 1964-65 NHL season. Throughout the years, numerous legendary players have been recognized with this prestigious award.

The Chicago Blackhawks endured a lengthy championship drought in the Stanley Cup before their recent resurgence. Their previous win was in the 1960-61 season against the Detroit Red Wings, leaving them without a title for nearly 50 years.

The streak came to an end in the 2009-10 season when the team defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, sparking a period of outstanding success for the franchise. The team went on to win another championship in the 2012-13 season by defeating the Boston Bruins, and repeated their victory in 2014-15 by overcoming the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After the conclusion of the three series, a Blackhawks player received the Conn Smythe award. Now, let’s examine each of the three series and the accomplishments of the players involved.

• Jonathan Toews had a significant impact for Chicago in the 2009-10 season, contributing seven goals and 22 assists in 22 games.
• Patrick Kane was honored in the 2012-13 postseason for his performance, scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in 23 games.
• In the 2014-15 season, Duncan Keith, the standout defensive player, netted three goals and recorded 18 assists, resulting in him being awarded the MVP title.

The fact that the top three players of the Blackhawks hockey era all won a Conn Smythe during the team’s successful streak is significant. Franchise leaders tend to perform well in important games, so keep this in mind when considering who to bet on for the Conn Smythe award in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs.

Best Illinois sports bars to watch Stanley Cup games

If you want to catch a Stanley Cup game, you’ll want to be sure not to miss any of the excitement. While there are numerous bars in Illinois to choose from, only a select few are officially recognized as Blackhawks bars.

The operating hours are subject to change in response to state COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

While we can’t promise that the boys from the Windy City will make it to the final series, we can recommend these top places to enjoy the fastest game on ice:

• The OverTime Sports Bar & Grill can be found at 6714 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago, IL. For inquiries, please contact them at 773-993-0533. Their operating hours are from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and noon to midnight on Sundays.

OverTime is well-known for its delicious burgers and wings, as well as its numerous screens for watching sports and events. The restaurant also boasts a diverse menu of cocktails and beers, all served in a fun and lively atmosphere.

• O’Malley’s Pub & Eatery is located at 701 Hill Ave. in Aurora, IL. You can reach them by phone at 630-898-8700. The pub is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

O’Malley’s is famous for its daily food specials, but the menu goes beyond that with a wide variety of options in both food and beverages. Additionally, O’Malley’s offers theme nights and multiple TVs for patrons to enjoy watching games.

• The address of the Blue Line Sports Pub is 211 Elm St., Rockford, IL. For inquiries, please call 779-423-2125. Operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Blue Line, named after a top-tier hockey bar, exceeds all expectations with its diverse food selection, multiple viewing screens, and impressive cocktail list. It is particularly popular among whiskey lovers as well.

• Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill is located at 1807 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL. For inquiries, please call 630-364-2070. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bottoms Up is the perfect spot in the Naperville area for watching the game. With a lively sports bar atmosphere, great viewing angles, multiple screens, and a diverse selection of food and drinks, it’s the go-to neighborhood destination for sports fans.

Think about these top spots for unmatched hockey, delicious cuisine, and your go-to beverage.

Additionally, it is important to note that you have the ability to legally and safely place bets from your mobile device within the state’s borders. You can also place bets ahead of time, but the app can be a helpful tool to assist you in exploring live betting options during the games.