The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have reached the Conference Finals, featuring the Edmonton Oilers against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference and the Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference. The Eastern Final begins on Tuesday, while the West starts on Wednesday. If you`re looking for information on how to bet on the NHL playoffs, particularly the Panthers-Hurricanes series, we`ve compiled guidance for you.
The Panthers secured the Stanley Cup last year, marking the first championship in franchise history. In their previous series against the Maple Leafs, they overcame a 0-2 deficit to win four of the next five games and advance. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes decisively defeated the Washington Capitals, the Eastern Conference`s top seed, in five games during the second round. These teams met three times in the regular season, with Florida winning two of those contests. According to SportsLine consensus odds, the Hurricanes are slight -125 favorites for Game 1, with the total set at 5.5 goals. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Here, we`ll break down how and where to place bets on NHL games and highlight the top betting apps. This guide covers betting on the NHL playoffs, including the Panthers-Hurricanes Game 1, along with the best available welcome promotions for new users.
Where to Bet on the NHL
You can bet on the NHL using various reputable sportsbooks and their mobile applications, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, bet365, and Caesars. On this page, we`ll keep you informed about the leading options for wagering on the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs using the best available NHL betting apps.
Top NHL Betting Promos
Here are some of the best promotional offers for new users from major sportsbooks:
FanDuel Sportsbook
The FanDuel Sportsbook welcome offer provides new users with $200 in bonus bets if their initial wager of at least $5 is a winner. No promo code is required for this offer. Bonus bets are credited upon your qualifying bet settling as a win and expire after seven days.
DraftKings Sportsbook
The DraftKings Sportsbook welcome offer grants new users $300 in bonus bets if their first bet (minimum $5) wins. No promo code is necessary. The bonus is issued as eight $25 bonus bet tokens, which expire after seven days.
BetMGM Sportsbook
By using the promo code CBSSPORTS, new BetMGM users can receive a welcome offer where, if their first bet (minimum $10 deposit) loses, they get their stake back in bonus bets up to $1,500. Losing bets under $50 receive one bonus bet equal to the stake; bets of $50 or more receive five bonus bets, each worth 20% of the initial wager. New users also receive a $50 bonus bet regardless of the first wager`s outcome. Bonus bets expire after seven days.
Fanatics Sportsbook
The Fanatics Sportsbook welcome offer provides up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets. No promo code is required. You must opt-in to this offer daily. Place a cash wager of $10 or more with odds of -500 or longer for 10 consecutive days. If your bet loses, you receive your stake back in bonus bets, covered up to $100 per day, for a maximum potential return of $1,000. Bonus bets expire after seven days and are typically credited within 72 hours of your bet settling.
bet365 Sportsbook
Using the promo code CBSBET365, new bet365 users will receive $150 in bonus bets after making a deposit of at least $10 and placing a first bet of at least $5 (with odds of -500 or greater). Bonus bets are credited after your qualifying bet settles and expire after seven days.
Caesars Sportsbook
New users who sign up with Caesars Sportsbook can use the promo code CBSDYW to get 10 100% profit boosts after placing a first wager of at least $1. These profit boosts expire after seven days. The maximum wager for a bet using a profit boost token is $25, and the maximum additional winnings for each token is $2,500.
How to Bet on the NHL
Using sportsbooks via your phone, tablet, or computer, you can place various types of bets on the NHL Eastern and Western Conference Finals and the upcoming Stanley Cup Final. Here are some common NHL wagers you can make:
- Moneyline: This is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright.
- Spread (Puck Line): You are betting on the margin of victory or loss. For example, betting on a team at -1.5 means they must win by two or more goals to cover the spread. Betting on their opponent at +1.5 means they must win the game or lose by only one goal.
- Over/Under (Total): You are betting on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number provided by the sportsbook (e.g., 5.5 goals).
- Props (Proposition Bets): These are bets on specific events within the game that don`t necessarily relate to the final outcome, often tied to player statistics like goals, assists, points, or shots on goal.
- Parlay: A single bet combining multiple individual wagers (legs). To win a parlay, all selected legs must be correct. Parlays offer higher potential payouts but also increased risk.
- Live Betting: Placing bets on a game after it has already started. Odds change in real-time based on the action on the ice.
Responsible Gaming
Bettors should always understand their limits and practice responsible gaming. Reputable sportsbooks provide resources and tools for their users, such as options to set time and wager limits, or self-exclusion lists. National resources for responsible gambling include the National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Gamblers Anonymous. You can also call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for assistance.
