And then there were four.
The NHL's conference finals are set after the Canadiens won a thrilling Game 7 over the Sabres on Monday night. Montreal will now take on the Hurricanes, who are a perfect 8-0 this postseason and haven't played since completing their sweep of the Flyers on May 9.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche will take on the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. Colorado remains the Stanley Cup favorite, as it's been all season.
Stanley Cup odds
| Team | Odds | Start of playoffs odds |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | +130 | +275 |
| Hurricanes | +170 | +500 |
| Canadiens | +600 | +2500 |
| Golden Knights | +600 | +1200 |
🏒 Bet on who will win the Stanley Cup with theScore Bet here
The Avs' +130 odds imply a winning probability of 43.5%. Colorado is heavily favored to advance past Vegas with -275 odds to win the Western Conference.
Nathan MacKinnon and Co. have lost one game so far in their playoff run. They gave up just five goals in their opening series against the Kings and lit up the scoresheet with 24 goals in five games versus the Wild.
However, Vegas may take solace in the fact that it gave Colorado a good test during the regular season. The Golden Knights went 1-1-1 to the Avs' 2-0-1 record.
The Western Conference Final begins Wednesday in Colorado.
In the East, the Hurricanes are also -275 favorites to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Carolina has dominated this postseason and will be well-rested for its clash with the Canadiens. But 11 days off between playoff games is a lot, and Montreal could have an opportunity to jump on a rusty Hurricanes team in the series opener Thursday night.
The Canadiens had the longest pre-playoff odds of the four remaining teams. They are clearly the story of the playoffs so far, featuring one of the league's youngest rosters led by rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes. They've knocked off the Lightning, who were Eastern Conference favorites before the playoffs, and the Sabres, who were the No. 2 seed in the East. Could the Habs pull off a third straight upset?
US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.
