Underdog Teams to Watch for the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals
In the lead-up to the 2026 Stanley Cup finals, there are a few underdog teams that could stage surprising runs, particularly for those willing to take a gamble. Here are four teams whose odds might just be worth considering.
Pittsburgh Penguins (+10000)
Among the most unlikely candidates from the Eastern Conference is the Pittsburgh Penguins, whose chances of clinching the conference title sit at a staggering +10000. This might seem shocking, especially with even the last-place Buffalo Sabres at +8000, but several factors add intrigue.
Renowned captain Sidney Crosby is currently on track to eclipse his best season, aiming for a personal record with 59 goals, having only previously surpassed the 50-goal mark once in his career. Despite a downturn in much of the team’s statistics, their goaltending has improved significantly with Tristan Jarry’s resurgence, and they maintain the NHL’s top power play (33.3%) alongside a robust penalty kill (84.9%). These elements suggest their odds should be more favorable than the mere 0.99% chance the bookmakers assign them.
Ottawa Senators (+1800)
The Ottawa Senators, meanwhile, are making waves in the Eastern Conference by standing second in the Atlantic Division, a remarkable feat given the absence of their captain, Brady Tkachuk, for a significant part of the season. Despite an inconsistent performance from Linus Ullmark in goal, who has countered with a recent positive streak of 4-1-0, the return of Tkachuk could significantly impact the team’s fortunes.
Currently, the Senators are slated at +1800, indicating a 5.26% chance of success, a testament to the unpredictability of the Eastern Conference as they seek to reach their first Stanley Cup final since 2007.
Anaheim Ducks (+2200)
There’s a fairytale narrative brewing around the youthful Anaheim Ducks, who surprisingly lead the Pacific Division after 26 games. One would have laughed off such a prospect before the season began. The Ducks’ offense is among the league’s best, scoring an impressive 3.62 goals per game, ranking them second overall.
Their points percentage stands at .635, tying with the New Jersey Devils, while star player Leo Carlsson is among the league’s top scorers alongside Connor McDavid. Goaltender Lukas Dostal deserves mention too, ranking 12th in goals saved above expected, making their chances of capturing their first title since 2007, reflected in their +2200 odds, a feasible dream with an implied 4.35% probability.
Minnesota Wild (+2500)
The Minnesota Wild have turned their season around impressively after a rough patch marked by eight losses in nine games. Their recent performance has put them second in points percentage (.867) since November 1, just behind the elite Colorado Avalanche.
A notable highlight is the seven-game win streak powered by the stellar play of goalkeepers Filip Gustavsson and rookie Jesper Wallstedt, who recently impressed by securing five shutouts in 11 games, four attributed to Wallstedt. His record of 8-0-2 with five shutouts in his inaugural NHL season has made him a standout story.
If both he and Gustavsson continue to excel, the Wild could emerge as a formidable challenger in the competitive Western Conference, with their current odds at +2500 suggesting a resilient 3.81% chance.
Conclusion
As the playoff picture gradually takes shape, it will be fascinating to monitor these teams’ trajectories as they vie for a chance at the prestigious Stanley Cup title.
