Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: Best bets and Conn Smythe picks from every team - ESPN

The puck is set to drop on the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, as 16 teams will continue on their quest to get their named engraved in Lord Stanley's Cup. The Buffalo Sabres have snapped the longest postseason drought in the NHL on their way to winning the Atlantic Division. They will face the Boston Bruins in the first round.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, we see the battle of Pennsylvania between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final when the Tampa Bay Lightning see the Montreal Canadiens, as well as Brandon Bussi and the Carolina Hurricanes throwing down with Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators

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Out West, the Colorado Avalanche have been the frontrunners, leading in Stanley Cup odds all season on their way to winning the President's Trophy. Nathan MacKinnon and co. will take on the Los Angeles Kings. Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the second and third highest point totals collide when Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars host Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild.

The chaotic Pacific Division has resolved with the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings making the cut. The Mammoth make the playoffs for the first time since moving from Arizona, and will take on Mitch Marner and the Golden Knights. The Oilers will look to return to the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight year — and they won't have to see Florida this time — but to do so, their will first have to go through the Ducks.

Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have the best bets, Conn Smythe Trophy picks, and more from each series as we get set. Follow the action all playoffs long, including