What extra may you ask from the primary spherical of the NHL playoffs?
Perhaps a gap spherical collection that includes Rocket Richard and the Canadiens in 1952 had followers dropping their minds whereas consuming Salisbury Steaks in entrance of their front room radio.
However, by means of two weeks, we’ve seen seemingly the perfect assortment of entertaining video games in a gap spherical that there’s seemingly ever been in trendy instances.
I wager you’re all questioning how that wild and wacky first spherical has shaken up the Conn Smythe odds?
Right here’s an replace on the place these odds stand as of April 30.
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds
2024-25 Conn Smythe Favourite
Connor McDavid, C, Oilers +1000
McDavid started the postseason as the favourite to win the Conn Smythe, however after a slight tumble following the disappointing begin for the Oilers in opposition to the Los Angeles Kings, his odds have jumped again up.
McDavid has two targets and eight assists by means of the primary 5 video games of the collection. He’s additionally a +5.
He’s doing all that with a smaller time on ice than you’d count on — he didn’t lead Edmonton’s forwards in Video games 4 or 5.
He’s McDavid, so there doesn’t should be a ton of statistics or rationalization on why he’s main the percentages for Conn Smythe. If his Oilers can escape this spherical in opposition to the Kings, which they’re now -400 favorites to do, then his odds for the Smythe will solely enhance.
Additionally, in the event you imagine within the Oilers profitable all of it, there’s no one else to go for besides McDavid.
2024-25 Conn Smythe Contenders
Sebastian Aho, C, Hurricanes (+1400)
The motion on odds for Aho may simply be chalked as much as how the Hurricanes have regarded to start out these NHL playoffs, which is like the perfect crew within the Japanese Convention.
Aho obtained eight factors in Carolina’s 4-1 collection victory over the Devils, with three targets and 5 assists. Unusually, he solely obtained a +1 for plus/minus in that collection.
Like choosing McDavid in the event you’re feeling robust in regards to the Oilers, it is best to take Aho’s odds now in the event you see them making a run out of the Japanese Convention.
Nonetheless, I feel what the Hurricanes did in that first spherical was simply smoke and mirrors. New Jersey had no enterprise being in that collection.
Carolina ought to’ve been enjoying a crew just like the Columbus Blue Jackets. Every other Japanese Convention crew — possibly besides the Wild Playing cards — would have overwhelmed up on the Devils in the identical means. Match Jersey up with the Panthers or Maple Leafs they usually most likely would’ve swept the collection.
The Hurricanes are a strong crew, and Aho is a good participant, however it is a prisoner of the second state of affairs on the percentages.
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Avalanche (+1600)
I like MacKinnon, however I don’t know if I imagine in him and the Avalanche’s possibilities of advancing previous the primary spherical.
Going into their opening spherical collection in opposition to Dallas, I assumed they’d end up the collection inside six video games, given the way in which the Stars had completed their common season. Having fallen behind 3-2, Colorado has fully surrendered all its momentum.
MacKinnon’s been nice within the collection, don’t get me improper. He’s obtained a aim in 4 out of the 5 video games, with 5 targets and 7 factors general. He’s additionally obtained a +2 plus/minus.
However I can’t take these odds for MacKinnon in gentle of how the Avalanche regarded in Recreation 5 of the collection.
In the event that they bounce again and win in Recreation 7, then MacKinnon’s a superb lengthy play wager for Conn Smythe by means of the remainder of the playoffs, however in any other case, it is a dangerous decide for the second.
