NHL Playoff Betting 2026
The NHL Playoffs mark the beginning of the league’s postseason games, leading up to the Stanley Cup Finals. The best NHL playoffs bets are available during this period, as the best NHL teams battle for the top prize. These teams qualified for the NHL regular season. NHL playoff betting odds are available throughout the year, with futures on teams to make it and a range of other interesting NHL prop betting options.
Odds to make the NHL Playoffs
Vegas odds for the NHL Playoffs always draw international attention, as this is when the elite teams finally get to turn up the heat. It’s not uncommon for the top teams to cruise during the regular season, then when things matter to go up a gear. Stanley Cup Playoff odds and NHL Playoff odds are usually dominated by the same teams. But, with the way the league has evolved over the years, we’re seeing a lot more unexpected teams emerging at the top of the pile.
The NHL odds on the playoffs are available from the very best sportsbooks. The table below displays the current odds ahead of the playoffs scheduled for April 2026.
NHL 2025/26 Key-Dates
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| NHL Regular Season Start | October 7, 2025 | Various arenas |
| NHL Winter Classic | January 2, 2026 | loanDepot Park, Miami, FL |
| 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend | Not held | Olympic-focused break instead |
| NHL Stadium Series | February 1, 2026 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL |
| NHL Trade Deadline | Early March 2026 (TBA) | To be announced |
| NHL Regular Season End | April 2026 | Various arenas |
| Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin | Mid April 2026 | Various arenas |
| Stanley Cup Final Begins | Projected late May 2026 | Various arenas |
| 2026 NHL Draft | June 27–28, 2026 (planned) | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY |
How to bet on the NHL Playoffs
In terms of NHL odds to make the Playoffs, there is a range of options beyond the straight bets. NHL Playoff odds in 2026 will offer bettors a range of markets, which will vary from one bookmaker to the next. Before committing to one sportsbook for your odds of making the NHL Playoffs, shop around and find the right bookmaker to suit your wagering desires.
NHL Playoffs Moneyline
The moneyline is the most popular betting option across all sports, and it’s no different at NHL betting sites. It involves simply picking which team you think will win the game. The odds are displayed with a minus sign (–) for the favorite and a plus sign (+) for the underdog.
Here’s an example:
- Tampa Bay Lightning (-110)
- Detroit Red Wings (+950)
These odds indicate a strong likelihood that the Tampa Bay Lightning will win this matchup. However, because the odds are so heavily tilted in their favor, there’s limited value in betting the moneyline for this game.
NHL Playoffs Over/Under
For experienced bettors, the over/under is often the go-to betting line. When placing NHL betting wagers online, you’ll have the option to predict whether the game’s total score will go over or under a number set by the sportsbook. In addition to the overall game total, many sportsbooks also offer over/under markets for individual team totals — and sometimes even for specific player performances.
NHL Playoffs Prop Betting at MyTopSportsbooks
Prop betting markets are always among the most entertaining options available. In the NHL, props can enhance your viewing experience by offering wagers on everything from team and player stats to how far a specific team will advance in the playoffs. NHL Playoff props cover a wide range of outcomes, making them a favorite among experienced bettors. Be sure to explore the prop offerings at your favorite sportsbook — they’re a top pick among our betting experts here at MyTopSportsbooks.
Which are the best teams in the NHL?
Team strength changes from season to season, and past results never guarantee future performance. However, several contenders have consistently competed near the top of the league. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final featured the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, while strong teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Carolina Hurricanes continue to remain competitive in playoff races.
If you are looking for a starting point for NHL playoff betting, tracking teams with proven rosters, stable goaltending, and strong recent postseason results can offer useful context as the 2025/26 campaign progresses.
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